I remember meeting Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo in Davao City, where she told me she was looking for out-of-the-box tourism ideas. Tulfo-Teo has been around travel and tour operation circles; she knows the industry well. Our own DOT-Region VI (DOT-6) Director, Atty. Helen Catalbas, is one such innovator and, knowing her, the …
OPINION
Why do locals demand door-to-door service for the most mundane things?
After living overseas for years and traveling to various parts of the world, one of the oddities that is, most likely, distinctly Bacolod City is the unnecessary need of seemingly able-bodied people to be dropped off at the door of whatever destination and sending their (presumably) family member to go park the cart – a …
Witnessing how ‘the last leaf clings to the bough’
“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” –Martin Luther Recently, myself and media colleague, Regine Algecera of Cable Star-Iloilo, witnessed the words of The Cascades, “live with the lonely leaf that clings to the bough,” from the song The Last Leaf, in the real …
Comelec red tape and the resulting disenfranchisement
Last Saturday marked the voter registration deadline for the upcoming barangay elections, currently scheduled for October. Local Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials already announced no deadlines would be given, which, personally, makes no difference. As discussed in previous columns, upon moving to the Philippines, after voting absentee in the 2010 presidential election, visited the local …
‘Operation Tokhang,’ a different version
By Reuben P. Navarro Tokhang. The word has come to evoke fear among many today; for some, it could mean imprisonment for many years – for others, death. Why? What does “tokhang” mean? It’s become a favorite word among the media?, yet, why do many cringe in fear from there mere mention of the word? …
The demand for higher sugar prices will only diminish the industry
With a rally planned this coming Labor Day, Monday, May 1, the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA), through Secretary-General Wennie Sancho, announced their demonstration would also include the current issue surrounding the importation of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) by companies like Coca-Cola, which they, along with people like Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, …
The poor showing in the Palarong Pambansa is alarming
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” –Heywood Broun There seems to be no real challenges or rivalries among young athletes in the Philippines today. As of this writing, the lead held in the medal count by the National Capital Region (NCR) appears they are poised to wrap up this year’s Palarong Pambansa, taking …
‘Devil’s vehicles’
“We are in a world that is quite extremist and extremism makes more noise. Normality does not sell.” –Vicente del Bosque We congratulate the Iloilo City Council for putting an end to abusive motor vehicle owners who modify their mufflers in order to cause terrible noise, inconveniences, and irritation. Pedestrians and observers have referred to …
ANZAC Day and remembering heroes
“Those who served bequeathed to us a great legacy, may we, and future generations, prove worthy of their sacrifice.” –Australian War Memorial chairman Kerry Stokes Yesterday, Australia celebrated ANZAC Day, the annual observance where Australians remember those who fought and died in service to the country, along with recognizing those currently in the service. The …
Falling in love… with hockey
Surprisingly, I am finding myself falling in love with hockey. The sport is as important to Canadians as basketball is to Filipinos. Although not much of a sport fan, hockey introduced me to a new world of excitement and fun. Despite being relatively new to the game, I’ve been able to learn the rules quickly …