“It’s a terrible thing wishing that it can be someone else’s tragedy.” –John Dyer The MV Don Juan tragedy happened 37 years ago but it was a maritime disaster that Ilonggos in Negros and Iloilo cannot forget. On April 22, 1980, the M/S Don Juan, a commercial vessel owned by Negros Navigation (NN), was traveling …
OPINION
Echoing a viewpoint instead of telling a story
After studying journalism at Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, and having some exposure to media in the United States, having previously worked as a stringer for a newspaper and contributing to a few online media outlets, found the journalism environment in the Philippines completely different. While there is criticism of media bias …
Summer travels
Even with tropical depressions still on the weather menu, travelers are still heading out for a leisurely summer. Many are visiting regional destinations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong; however, they have not experienced the fun of Boracay, Mactan, Cebu, Sicogon island, Baguio, Tagaytay, Davao City, Negros island, Panay island, among others. Traveling within …
Using ‘inclusivity’ as an excuse to disregardChristianity
Despite frequently discussing conflicts with how the Roman Catholic church operates locally, there is still a common bond of being a Christian and witnessing how the shared faith is being dismissed by the world. What has been seen as the slow dissolution of Christianity from culture is seen most prominently when it comes to the …
Panay, Negros ‘too far’ for Abu Sayyaf raid
“This fanaticism is what feeds terrorism and this is precisely why Muslims must play an active role in opposing hate sermons and incitement to terrorism and extremism in their mosques.” –Otto Schily The islands of Panay and Negros will always be safe from terrorist attacks as long as the country’s intelligence network remains accurate and …
Overacting city police chief
“There is no overacting, only untrue acting.” –Stellan Skarsgård Many believe Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Remus Zacharias Canieso, “overreacted” when he summoned the manager and service crew of a local hardware store on April 7 after he was accidentally hit by a pushcart while inside the said establishment. Canieso reportedly …
Elsewhere, leaves on Palm Sunday are free
Growing up in New Jersey, in the United States, have memories of attending Palm Sunday mass that are very different from local customs. The San Sebastian Cathedral recently sent a reminder to the Roman Catholic faithful that blessed palm fronds, or the leaves of a palm tree, should be free of charge. However, attending mass, …
To Mark Twain with love
How do you title an article about a writer who can tickle your funny bone as well as provoke you to deep thinking? With above title, I hope to encompass the depth, breadth and height of Mark Twain’s prodigious mind. I love Mark Twain! He was my favorite American author, delighting me early on in …
Don’t fear the ‘point man’ yet
“To me, there is no greater way to achieve clarity than to run alone, or share miles with a trusted friend.” –Kristin Armstrong Currently, Ilonggos can only take the claim Iloilo City Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon has been named the designated “point man” by President Rodrigo Duterte in Iloilo City at face value. After revealing he …
A typical day on the roads of Bacolod City
“In a real examination, 50 percent of drivers in the Philippines will fail… They are not only reckless but they are also stupid.” –Senator Majority Leader Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III With the positive outcome from the recently implemented policies requiring motorcycle drivers to wear helmets and cracking down on jaywalking, Bacolod City is moving towards …