OPINION

“Remember that politics, colonialism, imperialism, and war also originate in the human brain.” –Vilayanur S. Ramachandran “You crazies and sons of a whore leave us alone. Don’t impose your culture on us.” That was President Rodrigo ‘Digong’ Duterte’s curt message to the European Union and the United Nations, which is also an attack on lingering …

In my recent travels across northern Mindanao, from Cagayan de Oro City to the western stretch of Misamis Occidental, near Zamboanga del Norte in Sapang Dalaga, I had the opportunity to try food specialties of the province, including suman that came in a variety of flavors. On the second night in Cagayan de Oro City, …

According to a report by Human Rights Watch last year, they looked at the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Duterte’s predecessor, and his record with extrajudicial killings. “Since his election, President Aquino held out the promise of a rights-respecting Philippines for which he has sadly been unable to deliver,” said Human Rights Watch …

“Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.” –Ulysses S. Grant Under the law, Iloilo businesses are not supposed to lay off workers in order to cushion the impact of wage increases, which took effect on March 16. Iloilo Business Club (IBC) Executive Director Lea Lara reportedly considered the P15 to …

“Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community.” –Simon Mainwaring The leaders of the smallest political unit in the Philippines are in the news lately, following the proposal to have President Rodrigo Duterte appoint all 340,000 of them instead of being elected – that includes barangay captains, kagawads, and council …

When parents read the books of their children in primary school, they are often surprised by the content, which had been endorsed by the Department of Education. Mothers have commented they could not assist their kids because they found their lessons a bit difficult. A father, who works as a corporate executive, found the learning …

Over the last two Sundays, a new priest has taken to the podium at a Roman Catholic church in Barangay Bata. Have regularly attended Sunday mass at that particular church for a while now, but it was not until this new priest arrived that the context of mass started showing signs of a shift – …

Despite the recent tweet by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Canada’s commitment to welcoming refugees regardless of their faith, the main question is: Are refugees really welcome in Canada? Many around the world have applauded Trudeau for his compassion towards “those fleeing persecution, terror, and war.” But do his people share the same view? …

Thursday morning, the Philippines woke up to news about a terror attack in London, where at least five people were reported dead, including the attacker, and around 40 injured, after a man mowed down pedestrians along the Westminster Bridge with a sport utility vehicle and stabbed a police officer – all just outside Parliament. Police …

“Do you know that what a man can do, a woman can do better?” The lady at the podium said it loud and clear. She surveyed the audience with a captivating, charismatic smile. There was an equal representation of the sexes. The women clapped cheerfully. The men could only smile, while a few shook their …