Category Archives: Guest Writer

President Duterte and Canada’s ‘Karaoke Senator’

LONDON – If there’s something flawed in Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte – he who prefers to be called mayor, Digong, DU30, and not the deferential and respectful Mr. President – it is that he is raw and unburnished. Not a fault of his, of course, but the presidency he won by a margin of 6.6 million votes… Read More »

Of hunger, a fox, a dog

By Butch Galicia Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. Don’t get me wrong. I do not intend to sound off a call for action or anything, for whatever purpose it may serve. Put simply, I am just practicing a typical typing drill to exercise my ten aging fingers.… Read More »

Go Abroad, If You Please

By Butch G. Galicia October 10 was Thanksgiving Day. Did you know that it was also World Mental Health Day? Thanks, but I’ll think about it. On second thought, never mind! By the way, will a regular slice of roasted turkey help clean and sanitize the brain? Zombies, please reply. ***** Mahirap talagang mag-isip! Kaya kung may tanong… Read More »

A Senior’s Brush with Paint on Canvas

  By Butch Galicia   Time was when socio-political blog writer Joe Rivera looked with awe at a painting, acquired it, and made it an eye-catching fixture in the hall, living room or library of his home. He still does so, every chance he gets. However, Joe has moved on to the next level following his retirement. He… Read More »

Wish Ko Lang

While sipping coffee and munching a muffin, a peer remarked that the 2016 P.I. (as in Philippine Islands, not the DU30 catch phrase) presidential race is an election for the least of evils. Question: Has it really become a nasty habit for voters to dig into and recycle a candidate’s bad past to determine suitability for good governance?… Read More »

All is not fair in weather

By: Butch Galicia Winter’s onset was one of the mildest and the warmest ever. The mercury shot up crazy high and fell sanely low through a mix of sun, wind, rain and snow. No complaints. Canadian winter is at its best. Let’s begin chilling. Bundle up. Get along with the freeze. Soon, spring will be here. ***** The… Read More »

Happy New Year

By butch Galicia Before Christmas, the ladies of the house talked of shopping for new outfits for the children. My grandchildren grow so fast, so I advised the ladies to buy clothes and shoes a half-size or a full-size larger. “It is utile, as it is practical. Think of the future,” I said. On Christmas Day, they heeded… Read More »

Throwback

Merry Christmas As we walked home under an umbrella on a late rainy afternoon not so long ago, my grandson excitedly told me: “Lolo, during the school assembly this morning, we sang a very nice song … that one from Michael Jackson … Heal the World.” “It goes like this: Heal the world. Make it a better place… Read More »

BLT and the Bird’s Nest

By: Butch Galicia “Not the ending any of us wanted, but I’m so proud and thankful for all my teammates and staff. Thanks to all the fans for their support!” tweeted Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson, after the Jays flew home with wings clipped by a huge American League (AL) Championship Series loss to the Kansas… Read More »

Of Saints and Souls, Masks and Ghouls

By Butch Galicia Bewitched. Two years past, I put on a bloody red devil’s mask, with horns and beard. On seeing me, my granddaughter exclaimed: “Look, a goat!” Last year, I put on a very ugly mask. My body covered in black cloth, I stood in the dark. A candle flickered in front of my head. As soon… Read More »