Tag: populism

Warning: Manny Pacquiao COULD beat Inday Sara Duterte in 2022!

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021 benign0 5 Comments

With boxing-champ-turned-Senator Manny Pacquiao now getting more aggressive in his bid for the Philippine Government’s top job in 2022, the political landscape gets more fluid. The administration camp of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and its bid for continuity beyond 2022 in fielding Inday Sara “Daughterte” is at stake despite Pacquiao being a member — and…

Politics

Are we seeing the end of an era of extreme liberalism?

April 22, 2017 benign0 8 Comments

The most recent terrorist attack at Champs-Elysees, the cultural heart of Paris, France cannot have come at a more interesting time. Elections there come at a time when tensions are already high following a spate of similar deadly attacks over the last two years. This latest one — which ISIS was quick to claim responsibility…

Politics, Society

The populists and the guardians of ‘decency’

December 15, 2016 rsurtida 55 Comments

There’s a common trait shared by some of the critics of US president Donald Trump and Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte that drives even the most rational supporters of both presidents into near-fanatic levels in defending their chosen candidate. The supposed supporters of “modern liberal thinking”, the antithesis of the “backward and barbaric” maxims supposedly espoused…

Culture, Government, Media, Politics, Society

Philippine Elections 2016 is not a vote for Duterte but a vote AGAINST Aquino

April 28, 2016April 28, 2016 benign0 52 Comments

Indeed, everybody is shocked — just shocked! — by where this year’s presidential elections are headed. Rodrigo Duterte the crass, irreverent, and possibly murderous candidate who came out of left field from the Philippines’ deep south is leading the polls, handily beating the elegant Grace Poe, the debonaire Jejomar Binay, the prayerful Mar Roxas, and…

Culture, Media, Politics, Society

Why are you so negative? And other frequently asked questions answered

October 30, 2015November 22, 2022 Ilda 77 Comments

Every now and then, I get asked the same questions I have answered so many times before. I understand that not everyone will see my responses so I have compiled the frequently asked questions with my corresponding answers for everyone’s convenience: 1. When you highlight what is wrong in Philippine society, aren’t you being negative?…

Culture, Society

Of debates on ‘kababawan’, ‘kayo na matalino’, and all-around Pinoy apathy

October 3, 2015 rsurtida 19 Comments

There’s a perverse type of pleasure people with a lot of time in their hands derive with simply prowling the endless frontiers of cyberspace in search of “worthy” causes as a platform to give people a piece of their valuable opinions on things. Or for some, just grabbing the popcorn and soda to simply sit…

Civics, Culture, Development, Education, Government, Media, Politics, Society

On being ‘Matapobre’: Why looking down upon the poor is not such a bad thing

September 29, 2015 benign0 45 Comments

More Filipinos should wholeheartedly embrace the Matapobre Philosophy. Stated in English, being matapobre is an entire way of life of looking down upon the ignoramus lot that infests Philippine society. And why not? There is much to be learned from the rich and very little to learn from the poor. Why elevate poverty to some…

Civics, Culture, Development, Media, Religion, Society

Putting The Cart Before The Horse: A Serious Pinoy Problem

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 Grimwald 11 Comments

When I read into history, I can’t help but notice that the Philippines has so little to show when it comes to leaving a mark on the world at large. I mean sure, we have people like Manny Pacquiao, Leah Salonga and quite a few other individuals who are of some worth on a global…

Culture, Development, Lifestyle, Media, Society