Hmmm. Looks like fun. How is pandemic jargon understood?  Stop the Spread – Does not work on a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Super Spreader – Yummy! (See above.) Public Health Protocols – Rules to LIVE by. Frontliners – Responsible people who work better when those they serve desire to be safer.  Stay Home – When adults worry… Read More »

Millennial son was in a bank for an hour with his dad, who transferred money. Excited to escort Dad to Net banking, he asked: “Dad, why don’t we activate your Internet banking? You won’t have to go to the bank to move funds. You can even buy food and meds online and have these brought to your door.… Read More »

Stressed? Tired? Burned out? Breathe. Take a rest. Relax. Pandemic or not, feel human. You are neither a creased picture nor fading pixels meant for the fleeting memory. Remember: Statues don’t do much. So, move on. Stop the still. Foot forward, step up. Walk – No! Run – the talk. ***** I wish the above mumblings apply to… Read More »

Forty-four days between New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day would be very boring, when staying home is the pandemic norm. So for fun and festive reasons, I witnessed “livestream” town criers — donned in 1887 costumes — declare what famous North American groundhogs chuckled about the coming of Spring. That was on February 2, when North Americans celebrated… Read More »

        Back in the homeland, SSS means Social Security System (Paseguruhan ng Kapanatagang Panlipunan.)         Lately, the state-run insurance agency warned that it would lose projected income unless it raises the amount of contributions of its members – workers in the private formal and informal sectors, including those overseas.         The warning comes amid congressional hearings on two – House Bill… Read More »

        Under the Christmas tree is a present to have, to hold and to cherish.          Up the same tree is a better brighter future that an angel or a star may lead and inspire us to seek.         Remember Kings Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar whose wise judgment is celebrated on the first Sunday of January? They followed the Shining Light… Read More »

        A celestial Christmas miracle will unfold on December 21, one that mankind has not seen in nearly 800 years.         On the night of the winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn will so closely align in the sky, manifesting a radiant beacon referred to as the “Star of Bethlehem” or the “Christmas Star.”            This heavenly sight was last observed before… Read More »

        Make a snow angel, build a snowman, engage in a snowball fight and navigate an ice rink.         Past 17 winters in Canada, these items remain on top of my seasonal to-do wish list.         I have seen my grandchildren complete them all in a matter of time. Young at 66, I’d leave it at that.         Not that I am… Read More »

        Fun is counting, counting is fun.          Sesame Street’s The Count, in a Throwback 1981 duet with country singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn, crooned a hymn of hope relevant to today’s trying times: “Well, your nose is one, your eyes are two. Put them together, that makes three it’s true. With five fingers in your hand, you’re a counting wonderland. How… Read More »

First things first! November 1, obviously the first day and the first Sunday of the month, is the end of DaylightSaving Time. Lest you forget, rewind back clocks one hour, from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m., and be in sync with regularity.It’s really no big deal but I still brag: The Philippines is ahead of Canada by 12… Read More »