I greet the New Year with great hope and positivity as always, with a solemn prayer for better things tucked in for good measure. Better things because I am feeling blessed as can be, having overcome the greatest hurdles of my life, which come with bringing you the news through Balita. Looking back, it is interesting to note… Read More »
Christmas is the time for family and friends to celebrate the holiday season together. Unfortunately, for many seniors in our community this time of the year only increases their sense of isolation and loneliness. This past year and a half had been challenging for everyone and even more so for many of seniors who are on their own,… Read More »
This is my favorite story I love to tell again and again in Christmas time and I am sharing it with you. Dec. 15, 1968, Sunday: I am at the Araneta Coliseum to watch a basketball charity event featuring the FPJ All-Stars. Susan, my good friend and favorite interview subject, is around, and no one wonders why she… Read More »
It is a universal fact that sports fans will never tire of rooting for their teams. Even if the Raptors seem to miss the hometown hoop, I still believe that in the long 82-game season, a place in the playoffs is still in their sights. Konting kayod pa, .500 na. I am a never-say-die fan. Peks man! Makulam… Read More »
IN THE AFTERMATH of the “People Power” that deposed President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the word “balimbing” became popular. The “balimbing,” or star fruit, became the mark of a turncoat. The star fruit’s cross-section is shaped like a five-sided star; thus, a person who changes political loyalty is called a “balimbing.” After Marcos was ousted from the presidency,… Read More »
A Christmas melody was playing over the radio in a Toronto home in 2019. Suddenly, my 87-year old mom hummed and then sang along: “Hmmmm. City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas. Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile. And on every street corner you’ll hear: Silver bells,… Read More »
The operative word for my mode and/or mood these days is nostalgia. Or perhaps retro. It started with my “stumbling” on some videos of the globally famous music artist Bruno Mars online several days ago. I say “stumble” because I never (shame on me!) really stopped to find out more about this half-Filipino performer, songwriter, producer, musician Bruno… Read More »
As I tinker with my mac buttons a few minutes before I go to press, I hear this: Lloydie and Bea have finally reunited but not on the boob tube, and not on the wide screen either, but mainly to share Chicken Joy and Spaghetti! Ah, so this is where their love for each other means – munching… Read More »
AT THE VIRTUAL SUMMIT between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping last November 15, the two world leaders got themselves embroiled in some delicate matters. Xi told Biden that U.S. support for Taiwanese independence would be dangerous. “Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to ‘rely on the U.S. for independence’,” Xi was quoted as saying by… Read More »
Each year hundreds of women in Toronto will make a difficult decision about an unplanned pregnancy. They will either choose to have a baby, place their child for adoption, or have an abortion. Some will be well supported by family and friends, but many, feeling alone, and overwhelmed will believe they have no other choice but to terminate… Read More »