We beg to differ.
As a young boy studying in a Catholic private school, I was often proud of the fact that even our so-called “goodness” was also graded in our report cards. You see, in the back of our report cards, you would find a grading system regarding our industry, initiative, obedience and other traits you would find…
Read More “Values and Virtues in the Philippines and Why They Don’t Help Much” »
In my experience attending corporate training programs — specially those involving team dynamics and motivation approaches — I have always been impressed with the way the really good trainors are able to create a euphoric pumped-up vibe in the participants over the course of the session. The courses that are conducted away from the office…
Read More “What’s next for the Philippines following the visit of Pope Francis?” »
So, just what is honor? That’s right, honor. Honor is one of the more common words I hear being thrown around in this little country of ours but I often wonder if its people has any real understanding of what it means. I hear “palabra de onor” (word of honor) being said but I somehow…
They say that the national sport of the Philippines is basketball. I disagree, I believe that the Philippines’ favorite sport (and one it’s actually good at) is the blame game. Its had plenty of practice over the years and it has certainly improved its craft today. Of course, to be fair, the Philippines is not…
Read More “The Blame Game: The Philippines’ Favorite Sport” »
This is not meant to be a critical article but one that begs the question of just what is originality and why so much media in the Philippines is often branded “unoriginal”. I mean, just what does it mean to be “original” in this day and age and why does it have to be an…
Read More “Homages, Fanfics, Parodies and Ripoffs: Defining Plagiarism” »
I have only recently read Mike Portes’ Minsan May Isang Puta and its sequel article Ang Putak Ng Anak Ng Puta and was thoroughly moved by their realistic takes on Filipino life and mentality. Mike Portes is certainly a master at what he does and I was quite impressed with the fact that his work was immediately…
We’ve all read about how anti-intellectual Philippine society is and how Filipinos are often too emotional for their own good. Yes, I even wrote an article about how my idea of Hell fits in with the Filipino mindset. But now comes an important question for all Filipinos: Is it so difficult to be professional? Is…
Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you, Mr President, for your kind welcome and for your words of greeting in the name of the authorities and people of the Philippines, and the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps. I am most grateful for your invitation to visit the Philippines. My visit is above all pastoral. It…
Read More “Transcript of #PopeFrancis’s speech at Malacañang 16 Jan 2015” »