By: Butch Galicia Canada’s only pro hoops five, the Toronto Raptors (est. 1995) succumbed 2-4 in lopsided losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals on May 27. Without doubt, head coach Tyronn Lue, LeBron James and the Cavs have asserted supremacy in the NBA’s Eastern Division and have maintained the team’s image as one… Read More »
By Butch Galicia Time was when socio-political blog writer Joe Rivera looked with awe at a painting, acquired it, and made it an eye-catching fixture in the hall, living room or library of his home. He still does so, every chance he gets. However, Joe has moved on to the next level following his retirement. He… Read More »
While sipping coffee and munching a muffin, a peer remarked that the 2016 P.I. (as in Philippine Islands, not the DU30 catch phrase) presidential race is an election for the least of evils. Question: Has it really become a nasty habit for voters to dig into and recycle a candidate’s bad past to determine suitability for good governance?… Read More »
By Butch Galicia In the next 50 or so dawns-to-dusks and another three great 80-page thick issues of Balita, an expected 75 percent of some 55 million registered Filipino voters will go out and cast ballots in nearly 93,000 clustered polling precincts spread across the Philippine archipelago (7,641 islands on last count, depending on whether the tide is… Read More »
By Butch Galicia While whiling winter blues away with peers in a mall’s fastfood zone, someone asked: Sino ba talaga ang tama? Is it Manny or Boy and Vice? Somebody replied: Pare, ang dapat itanong: “Sino ba ang may tama?” After a hearty laugh, panandaliang dumaan ang anghel as the group hushed. ***** So much was said and… Read More »
By: Butch Galicia On Feb. 25, 1980 in Cotabato City, a beautiful sunset was at its edge. The sky started to dim. Stars peeked and teased for a fervent wish. People milled and strolled in and around the plaza to relax and enjoy the cool air. Tired bodies trekked to the plaza’s corners, where passenger jeepney and tricycle… Read More »
By: Butch Galicia Winter’s onset was one of the mildest and the warmest ever. The mercury shot up crazy high and fell sanely low through a mix of sun, wind, rain and snow. No complaints. Canadian winter is at its best. Let’s begin chilling. Bundle up. Get along with the freeze. Soon, spring will be here. ***** The… Read More »
By butch Galicia Before Christmas, the ladies of the house talked of shopping for new outfits for the children. My grandchildren grow so fast, so I advised the ladies to buy clothes and shoes a half-size or a full-size larger. “It is utile, as it is practical. Think of the future,” I said. On Christmas Day, they heeded… Read More »
Merry Christmas As we walked home under an umbrella on a late rainy afternoon not so long ago, my grandson excitedly told me: “Lolo, during the school assembly this morning, we sang a very nice song … that one from Michael Jackson … Heal the World.” “It goes like this: Heal the world. Make it a better place… Read More »
By: Butch Galicia “Not the ending any of us wanted, but I’m so proud and thankful for all my teammates and staff. Thanks to all the fans for their support!” tweeted Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson, after the Jays flew home with wings clipped by a huge American League (AL) Championship Series loss to the Kansas… Read More »