Climate change is not a distant threat—it is a pressing reality that is already affecting communities across Canada. The country is grappling with increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and storms. For instance, in July 2024, a devastating wildfire ravaged the historic town of Jasper, Alberta, causing significant destruction. Approximately 30% of the… Read More »
2024… that’s a wrap! It was fun watching social media continue to evolve rapidly, especially in shaping how businesses and consumers interact online. This past Black Friday, shoppers ditched the mall in favour of shopping online. U.S. retail stores reported a modest 0.7 percent rise in sales this year versus a 14.6 percent rise for e-commerce. 2024 showed… Read More »
HAPPY NEW YEAR! MANIGONG BAGONG TAON! BONNE ANNEE! As we step into the next chapter of the 21st century, in the 25th year of the third millennium, this New Year invites a moment of reflection, a unique poignancy that feels more pressing than in years gone by. This time, the idea of New Year’s resolutions seems empty. While… Read More »
“Is it true that human beings are fundamentally cruel? Is the experience of cruelty the only thing we share as a species? …To be degraded, damaged, slaughtered—is this the essential fate of humankind, one which history has confirmed as inevitable?” —Han Kang, Human Acts. “…if only you will not begrudge lending your ears…those which you are accustomed to… Read More »
I’m excited to visit once again my home country and this early lots of things going on in my mind such as what things to do, places to visit, and. friends to see. At my age now 74, going to be 75 on February 14, some concerns face me honestly, like the difficulty of going around because my… Read More »
For most people, Christmas is a season of joy, peace and giving. I don’t know why the Christmas spirit is so strong that throughout this holiday season, people are becoming more generous and kind; they will move heaven and earth just to be with their families. Never mind if the plane fares are exorbitant, Filipinos will be hell-bent… Read More »
“I’ve reached the end of this great history/And all land will fill with talk of me:/I shall not die, these seeds I’ve sown will save/My name and reputation from the grave,/And men of sense and wisdom will proclaim,/When I have gone, my praises and my fame.”—Abu’l-Qâsem Ferdowsi Tusi, Shahnameh. My name is Manuel Ortega. I am a foreign… Read More »
In the late 90s, I was interviewing for a call centre management position with a well-known insurance company. Karl, my interviewer, and I clicked. Small talk revealed we shared a love of golf and agreed that Rhum Corner makes the best mojitos in Toronto. Karl seemed impressed by my STAR stories and experience creating incentive programs that drove… Read More »
The Philippines recently observed World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”. The event focused on raising awareness about HIV prevention, promoting testing, and emphasizing the critical role of human rights in combating HIV/AIDS. Spearheaded by the Philippine National AIDS Council, along with various organizations and government agencies,… Read More »