Last March 7, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that more than 200 vessels – believed to be manned by Chinese militia personnel – were observed moored in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. However, the reef, which is also called Whitsun Reef, is within the Spratly… Read More »
Social innovation cannot take place in the absence of creative expression. Without expressing one’s thoughts and ideas, only the status quo remains. Ideas and opinions can mature to creative outcomes and provide potential solutions for local and global challenges. As the world struggles to win against the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to search for something novel, which could… Read More »
The South Pacific reminds of the movie “South Pacific,” a musical story released in 1958 about a US Navy nurse who falls for a middle-aged French plantation owner. The movie is set on a volcanic island Bali Hai, which is based on the real island Ambae. It is located in what is now the Republic of Vanuatu (the… Read More »
Volunteers have been playing an essential role in achieving a more resilient community against COVID-19 pandemic. The volunteer sector in the Philippines was placed in a quandary with restrictions that imposed community quarantine regulations, and not to mention the potential threat from COVID-19 infection. Despite these challenges, volunteers continue to find many ways to help and give back… 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 »
Last Monday, March 8 was International Women’s Day. Hooray for the women of the world! This is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Makes me think of the much maligned (by history) 1st Empress of China – Wu Zetian – during the later Tang dynasty from the year 665 to 705.… Read More »
February 25, 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ended the 21-year reign of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. During that time, Filipinos saw the collapse of a hated regime that looted the wealth of the Philippine government and made millionaires out of a few cronies of Marcos, which until now are… Read More »
When Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1933, he instituted his New Deal programs, some of which were the Social Security Administration (SSA), Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Civil Works Administration (CVA), and Farm Security Administration (FSA). Roosevelt focused on what were referred to as the “3 Rs” – relief for the unemployed and poor, recovery of the… Read More »
Just when QAnon conspiracy theories were debunked, a new theory is building up and is gathering acceptance among those who believe in Trumpism. Ex-President Donald Trump who had been replaced by President Joe Biden is believed to be coming back to power. He’ll be inaugurated as the 19th president of the United States on March 4. Why 19th… 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 »