Category Archives: Editorial

Bastardizing Philippine Independence Day

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners” ― Laurence Sterne TORONTO – The event at Queen’s Park was supposed to be the proud and shining moment in our history – the crowning glory of all celebrations – after all, it was on June 12 that the Philippines finally severed the chain that had… Read More »

Of Dogs and Pigs

From his hellhole the dog’s owner will move to a house worth 140 thousand pesos. Rudy’s ‘pugad baboy’ will soon be history all because of his dog, Kabang, the hero dog. Kabang lost his upper snout when hit and smashed by a motorcycle while saving two girls on the streets of Zamboanga City. The dog’s heroic feat became… Read More »

DESECRATING A REVERED DAY A Fashion Show for Passion for Freedom

TORONTO – Media colleague Tenny Soriano was incensed. And so are some of the community’s patriotic citizens. From what I’m told, not since the centennial celebration of 1998 had the Philippine government been so extravagant in its support of an event that capitalizes on Philippine independence day as this one involving the fledgling Canada Philippine Fashion Week (CPFW).… Read More »

And the good news is…

MANILA …The Philippine economy grew by 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, besting all other Asian nations, including sizzling-hot China. It’s also the highest growth rate so far in President Benigno Aquino III’s tenure. Manufacturing and the construction sector led the way in the unprecedented growth. Government and consumer spending also helped. Behind the Philippines were… Read More »

Consulate Endorses But Refuses to Tell Role in Fashion Event

TORONTO – Officials were not answering questions about the extent of involvement of the Philippine government in a fashion show whose main beneficiary is a private foundation based here. Dubbed Canada Philippine Fashion Week (CPFW), it lists the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism as “our partners”, essentially making it a semi-government affair. Queried initially… Read More »

An upright man who could write

MANILA I would like to tell you about a man from whom I learned a lot about writing and news reporting. He passed away at age 78 last May 15, the day our last issue came off the press. His name was Raul S. Gonzalez. He was truly an outstanding man of letters. He was a writer, editor,… Read More »

When export of labor becomes a liability

On August 23, 2010, President Aquino had barely warmed his seat in Malacanang when a disgruntled police officer hijacked a tourist bus and took hostage several Hongkong tourists, touching off a crisis that tested Aquino’s mettle in leadership and diplomacy. Eight of the tourists were killed along with the hijacker in the bungled rescue operation that was witnessed… Read More »

Brave words don’t stop bullies

AMID the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the United States remains non-committal, emboldening China to intensify its aggressive behavior in the disputed waters and to continue its bullying tactics over its neighboring countries. The silence of the American government followed the intrusion early this month by a fleet of Chinese fishing vessels, two large civilian ships… Read More »

President Aquino gets his wish

MANILA The Filipinos have just given President Benigno Aquino III a solid majority in the Senate, with nine out of 12 posts up for grabs going to the chief executive’s chosen candidates. The 24-member upper chamber of the Philippine Congress is now in the President’s pocket. The pre-election surveys had forecast this outcome, and even titillated Mr. Aquino… Read More »