THE KEY TO SELF-REALIZATION

“The action or process through which something is changed so much that it appears to be entirely new.” “To change how you behave or look so that people think of you differently.” “transform,” “redesign,” “modify.” reclaim.”  It is how the dictionary describes reinvention.  In this article, we will delve deeper than reinventing ourselves, including transforming our politics, environment,… 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 »

THE PHILIPPINES: “DYNASTY  CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.”

Cielito Habito’s commentary in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Dynasties: Our Spreading Cancer” ( Aug. 13, 2024 ), has focused on one of the causes of our intractable and unrelenting poverty in a way that is not summarily seen as having a significant impact on our well-being. Despite government statistics showing 15.5% poverty, Mahar Mangahas’s SWS- Social Weather Stations… Read More »

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY: THE AGONY AND THE ECSTACY

This ordeal reminds me of the famous catchphrase “Da Plane,” “Da Plane,” which appears in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island. My version would read “Da Pain,”” Da Pain!” in the context of total knee replacement surgery or TKA ( Total Knee Arthroplasty). The immediate aftermath of the procedure overwhelmed the excitement of having it… Read More »

The Invisible Elephant in the Room.

This article challenges Eleanor Pinugu’s Phil Daily Inquirer’s commentary: WHAT HINDERS CREATIVITY,  June 24, 2024 (https://opinion.inquirer.net/174649/what-hinders-creativity). PDI published Edwin’s response to Ms. Pinugu’s article ( https://opinion.inquirer.net/175085/the-invisible-gorilla-a-metaphor-for-phs-regressive-path ) on July 11.  Below is the complete version of my response. The invisible gorilla that Eleanor Pinugu talked about in her latest commentary, “What Hinders Creativity,” PDI, June 24, 2024, an… Read More »

EXCERPT FROM MEMORIES AND REFLECTIONS.  INTRODUCTION

It was inconceivable not too long ago that one day, I would put memories and feelings in print and, more improbably, in a book.  Apart from a short story I wrote when I was 12, my academic standing suggests that I could not write anything worth putting on the school paper. The editor, reporters and contributing writers all… Read More »

ARE WE MISSING OUT ON THE FUTURE?

PRODDED by an email from a friend on the continuing fallout of the latest PISA ( Programme for International Student Assessment ) results, a no holds bared article in the Philippine Star by columnist Tony Lopez, titled “Mass Stupidity,” again highlighted the terrible state of education in the Philippines.   The latest literacy test ( reading, math and Science)… Read More »

THE ENIGMA THAT IS NAIA

No, it’s not the latest Karaoke tune to grace the Philippine airwaves, but in Metro Manila, you never know. Slogans and catchphrases are Filipino specialties. Why “There is More Fun in the Philippines” has not caught up with “Amazing Thailand” could be a big blow to our ego. My generic friend Freddie sees it simply lacking a catchy… Read More »

THE LORE AND ENDURING LEGACY OF A WET MARKET

“Palengke” in the old Parañaque By Edwin de Leon “PAMILIHANG BAYAN NG PALANYAG” was the prominent sign of the Parañaque public market of the post-war years, right into the 50s. Anybody who has travelled between Manila and Cavite has passed the front of this iconic building along Quirino Avenue, the only thoroughfare connecting Manila to the southwest.  … Read More »