Category: Culture

The Noynoy Aquino government is turning the Philippines into a vindictive society

November 20, 2011September 20, 2013 Ilda 270 Comments

There is a list of the alleged crimes of former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo (GMA) making its rounds on social networking sites like some kind of chain letter. The list comes with a photo of GMA in a wheelchair wearing her neck brace and facemask looking gaunt and distressed. The photo is obviously not a…

Crime, Culture, Economy, Government, Politics, Society

PNoy and his staff: Is ignoring the law their prerogative?

November 16, 2011October 2, 2013 Ilda 137 Comments

Another Aquino it seems is turning out to be the worst President in the history of the Philippines. No other President has so completely polarised the nation, blatantly violated human rights, and consistently disrespected the Supreme Court as much as President Noynoy Aquino (PNoy) had so far. Worse, no other President has ignored what is…

Civics, Culture, Government, Media

Gloria Arroyo is doing everything by the book and so should Malacañang @jimparedes @gangbadoy

November 16, 2011June 6, 2013 benign0 33 Comments

Now it’s getting interesting (as it does for people like me who’ve made it a career to point out why the Philippines persists as such a chronic basketcase). For people seeing it from the outside who are in the best position to filter out the noise surrounding this “issue”, the situation now is quite simple……

Civics, Culture, Media

It is not Noynoy Aquino’s fault that the Philippines is the worst place to do business in

November 15, 2011 benign0 20 Comments

The “shocking” news that the Philippines is actually one of the worst countries in Asia to do business in continues to reverberate among the chattering classes. Yes, personally I’m still getting over the “shock” of such a revelation. It made me re-think investing my personal fortune in a country where the only thing that I’d…

Culture, Development, Economy

Proud to be Pinoy because of Pacquiao

November 14, 2011July 4, 2013 Ilda 116 Comments

“Congrats to manny pacquiao!! pinoy pride yeah!!!!” That was one twitter message from a Manny Pacquiao fan after the boxing champion’s controversial win over Mexican boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao was the aggressor throughout, and landed some sharp punches of his own. But when the decision was announced, the crowd booed roundly and, once again…

Culture, Glitz and Glamour, Society

The Folly of Brown Pride

October 17, 2011July 14, 2015 ChinoF 40 Comments

It already irks me to keep hearing Filipinos complain about other Filipinos using skin whitening products or liking foreign shows and products, saying it’s a sign that Filipinos are ashamed of themselves. I disagree with that view. I think loving white skin has nothing to do with shame. It’s just common sense. When something is…

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Culture, Lifestyle

Metro Manila’s EDSA: laboratory of Filipino dysfunction

October 3, 2011 benign0 54 Comments

The other day, I got pulled over for turning into a U-turn slot on Metro Manila’s Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) at a time when I shouldn’t have. Unlike Chris Lao, however, I was in no position to go around stomping my feet claiming that I was not informed. There were signs leading to…

Civics, Culture, Development

The Truth will set Filipinos free

September 18, 2011November 4, 2016 Ilda 113 Comments

A word or a sentence from someone can dramatically change our life; that is, if we are strong enough to take it in stride. Let’s take a slice from history and use Alexander the Great as an example. His tutor was no less than the famous philosopher, Aristotle. Surely what Alexander got from one of…

Civics, Culture, Society