We beg to differ.
When you think of the Philippines, what’s the first thing that comes into your mind? Have you ever given it much thought? Do you imagine white beaches, tranquil waters, and unique wildlife? Congratulations, you’re a tourist. Do you imagine chaos, poverty and corruption? If you did, you’re a realist. But if all you think about…
In my book, I recounted the words of University of the Philippines sociology professor and occasional Inquirer.net columnist Michael Tan who was cited in Diana Mendoza’s article “Between Sensationalism and Censure” published on the Philippine Journalism Review (April 2002). The article was a commentary on the bizarreness of Filipinos’ regard for sexuality as it is…
Read More “Arroyo mugshots – visual opiates for a politics-crazed society” »
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…
Read More “The Noynoy Aquino government is turning the Philippines into a vindictive society” »
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…
Read More “PNoy and his staff: Is ignoring the law their prerogative?” »
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……
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…
“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…
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…