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 – …
OPINION
Are refugees really welcome in Canada?
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? …
Lessons from Westminster: Why national security is always a priority
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 …
A woman can do better
“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 …
A report by Police Regional Office-18 on the intensified security activation for the ASEAN Meetings in Bacolod City
The ASEAN Security Task Force (ASTF) security coverage for the 15th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMRI) in Bacolod is now in full swing. The Senior Officials meeting (SOM) is scheduled to be held at SMX Bacolod City from March 21-24, 2017. Yesterday, SILG Secretary Mike SUENO attended the opening ceremony …
Who is lying about the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge project?
“It is not good to cross the bridge before you get to it.” –Judi Dench It’s a white lie. I have serious misgivings Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar “confirmed” the construction of the much-ballyhooed Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge, sometimes called the Western Visayas Bridge, will “start under the Duterte administration.” If he …
Welcome remarks by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia during the 15th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information opening ceremony
Our compatriots from Southeast Asia, fellow public servants, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It cannot escape from my mind that we are meeting today in this modern building built on land that used to be part of the sea. As a small boy growing up in this city, I used to look out to this …
Keynote address by Presidential Communication Operations Office Undersecretary Noel Puyat during the 15th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information opening ceremony
The Philippines is honored to be the Chair of ASEAN, during a very important milestone, the celebration of its 50th anniversary. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Philippines’ ASEAN National Organizing Council. Their competence and diligence have made Philippine-hosted ASEAN meetings and gatherings this year run like clockwork. For the 15th …
The real controversy surrounding ‘Beauty and the Beast’
“I wish I could say I’m like Ian McKellen and immediately go rip pages out of the Bible.” –‘Beauty and the Beast’ director Bill Condon The new live-action remake of the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast” is drawing both a massive wave of fans excited to see the film and another sector outraged by …
HIV test for inmates
“HIV infection and AIDS is growing – but so, too, is public apathy. We have already lost too many friends and colleagues.” –David Geffen HIV cases are reportedly on the rise again, especially in jails and rehabilitation centers in the Philippines. Chito, ‘floor manager’ at a night club along JM Basa Street, Iloilo City, once …