Category Archives: Editorial

JOEY & The Company: MAKING LOVE ON STAGE 

This show didn’t miss a second late – the clock ticked 7:30 pm and the headliners were on stage – Joey Albert and The CompanY (Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Oj Mariano and Diohanna Sweet Plantado Tiongson)  What better way to start – dishing out all original pinoy music “songs that reflect who we are, our values and our… Read More »

Trump calls Duterte’s bluff

Two weeks after reports that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened the U.S. that he will terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries, U.S. President Donald Trump reacted by saying he didn’t mind that the Philippine government terminated the agreement. “We’ll save a lot of money.  You know my views are different from other people.… Read More »

China First or Filipino First?

Since 2016 when Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the Philippines, the demographic landscape of the country has dramatically changed with the immigration of Chinese nationals from Mainland China.  Duterte, who claimed Chinese blood from his mother, has demonstrated an openly biased pro-China policy. However, his Chinese heritage doesn’t seem to influence his pro-Chinese leaning, which is most… Read More »

God’s Plan, Time, Will

 In His own well-laid plans and mysterious ways, God makes things happen according to His plan, His time and His will. This, I believe so.         January passed with a lot of glad and sad surprises, all of which were worthy to be kept in my shoebox trove of great memories. *****         Geez! My kumare Sally and inaanak Karen,… Read More »

Duterte threatens to scrap VFA

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte warned the U.S. last January 24, 2020 that he would scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) if Washington did not reinstate the visa of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Duterte’s political ally. Dela Rosa is a former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief who is now a senator.  When he was PNP Chief, dela Rosa, led the… Read More »

Pogos breed crime and prostitution

Since Rodrigo Duterte took over the presidency of the Philippines, the influx of Chinese nationals has increased dramatically.  As a result, gambling and prostitution have become a huge problem.  Most of the Chinese nationals who have come to the Philippines are involved in a new gaming industry called Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos).  Hundreds of Pogos are in operation right now,… Read More »

Maligayang Pasko Po

        Good tidings! The Season of Advent has begun.         Every December 25, the world celebrates the birth of the Holy Baby in Bethlehem.         Joy to the world! Jesus, the Christ, is come! Indeed, it is a Holy day. *****         “Season’s Greetings!” and “Happy Holidays!” are both politically correct.         However, it is quite awkward to use the catchphrases nowadays when… Read More »

My 10-Cents Worth Butch Galicia Have you ever had that sudden impish impulse to sip a Sarsi worth five centavos and enjoy pan de lemon stuffed with “dirty” ice cream, also worth five centavos, from Mamang Sorbetero.Yes, I did … five decades and plus years ago. But I did not have the ten centavos.So, I tiptoed to where… Read More »

Is CHARO filming in South Africa?

Kudos to Angeline Q and K Brosas! When I first heard that K Brosas and Angeline Quinto were coming to town as a team, I wondered what would they do together to captivate the Torontonians.  Darren Espanto and Jonas had recently performed and I was among those who said this was fantastic and I wished they had played… Read More »

Help Quake Victims!

Bishop Colin Bagaforo of the Archdiocese of Kidapawan is appealing for donations for the quick relief and meaningful rehabilitation of victims and survivors of a series of strong earthquakes that have been shaking many communities in Mindanao, Southern Philippines since October 16.A Quick Response Command Center for Relief Operations under the diocese’s Social Action Commission has been opened… Read More »