Abuse Hurts

Abuse is defined as any action that intrudes painfully or harmfully into the physical, psychological, or social well-being of another person. It can take many forms, including sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Abuse is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities, often with far-reaching consequences. Victims may experience chronic physical pain, depression, and low… Read More »

SALAMAT KAY PACITA ABAD AT ANG A.G.O.

After living in Canada for quite a number of years now, it was refreshing and welcome to be reminded of our rich and diverse roots when I finally came to experience over a week ago, the art works of the prolific Filipino artist — the late great Pacita Abad at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on Dundas… Read More »

 Holiday Kindness Challenges: Spreading Joy Online

The Internet’s most powerful ability is its propensity to spread. This holiday season, amidst the hustle of shopping, party planning, and reflections, let’s use this power to spread joy and generosity. This December, I invite you to transform your social media feeds into a canvas of goodwill, reminding your followers and communities that even small acts of kindness… Read More »

Why I don’t celebrate Christmas

When almost everyone celebrates Christmas, writing on why I’m not celebrating it is not an easy task, it’s just like going against the tide. It seems like dousing some cold water to a joyful event that the whole world over is looking forward to. For most people, Christmas is a season of joy, peace, and giving. The Christmas… Read More »

RELIGION: ONE GIANT CONSPIRACY THEORY

On Sept. 19, 2024, Joel Butuyan’s Phil Daily Inquirer column, “Flea Market of Ideas,” published an article about the Pope’s recent Asian tour. The article “All Religions are Paths to Reach God” refers to the Pope’s bold and daring assertions. I responded to Butuyan’s article on Sept. 30, https://opinion.inquirer.net/177171/religion-a-giant-conspiracy-theory. This article is an expanded version of my response.… Read More »

Matuto Tayong Magpatawad 

Lahat tayo ay may pagkakamali Sana ay huwag nang maulit pang muli Kabutihan palagi ang ating isukli Pagpapatawad walang pinipilit Kung tayo ay may nagawang kasalanan Marapat lamang ating pagsisihan Dahil hindi tayo magkakaroon ng katiwasayan Kung ang nasa puso ay galit at pagkasuklam Mga samaan nang loob ay kalimutan Pagpapatawad ang kailangan Pairalin ang pagmamahalan Sa kapwa… Read More »

Go gently into the night

“Oh yes, suddenly I realized what a good thing death can be, how just and fair, like a disinfectant, or a vacuum cleaner. — Olga Tokarczuk, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. One of the great fears of our existential being is the fear of death. So much so that we don’t want to know… Read More »

Remembering Ruben on All Souls Day

All Souls Day is here and for people who lost their loved ones, it will surely be a day for remembering. For me, my late husband Ruben Cusipag, had been gone for over eight years, but his memories remain as fresh, as if it happened just yesterday. The Founder of Balita Newspaper, a journalist by heart, a social… Read More »

Empowering Youth with Severe Disabilities: The Shine Foundation’s Mission

Across Canada, approximately 1.7% of children experience a severe or very severe disability, with slight variations across provinces. In Ontario, this figure is around 2%. In Toronto, the most common severe disabilities affecting children include: These disabilities can profoundly impact not only the child’s daily life but also their families and support networks. Families of children with severe… Read More »