“There is no such thing as not voting: you either vote by voting, or you vote by staying home and tacitly doubling the value of some Diehard’s vote.” ― David Foster Wallace, Consider the Lobster and Other Essays. Despite a field of 102 Toronto mayoral candidates, last night’s election was a two-candidate battle—proving the need for rank-balloting—between Ana Bailão… Read More »
However much I try not to follow what is going on in Ukraine and the rest of the world, I am inexorably drawn to the video posts from both MSM (mainstream media) and independent journalists (mainly the latter as I am beginning to doubt the former’s credibility, or at least, their evenness). I cannot help but compare the… Read More »
Based on my interactions with those under 35, I have made the following generalization: Young people today are increasingly eschewing meaningful friendships, intimate relationships, having a steady job, and being connected to a religion and a community in favour of spending a lot of time on social media. It is well known that a healthy eating habit is… Read More »
As soon as I entered the Kalayaan Centre on the evening of June 10, I was ready for CARTAS DE AMOR together with the full-packed audience! Background: The play Cartas de Amor meaning Love Letters, created by Josephine Roces Chavez, presents the tragic tale of romance between our national hero, Jose Rizal, and his greatest love – Leonor… Read More »
Circumstances beyond control made me put off for the next Balita issue (June 16-31, 2023) the column I was working on. In its stead, I am putting forward two published stories I have written in the distant past. ***** First, rest assured that the recent display of Victoria Day fireworks was as magical and mystical as always. I… Read More »
I was intrigued by an article by Eleanor Pinugu’s UNDERCURRENT, “Panata,” and the challenges of modern faith,” Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 10, 2023. She relates her grandfather’s “Panata” ( Religious Pledge ) of providing free meals to his fellow farmers on Holy Thursday. The grandmother and seven children were all involved in preparing morning dishes and distributing… Read More »
Ni Edwin Esteba Akala yata nila kami ay bangko Bawat tawag nila pwede sila magwidraw Hindi nila iniisip mga ofw nagsasakripisyo Upang makapagpadala ng sustento Sino ba gustong umalis ng pilipinas? Kung sa abroad hirap ay makakaranas Sa mga dahas kailangan pang umiwas Minsan iyong iba hindi nakakatakas Minsan mga ofw ay inyo rin tanungin Pag aabroad ano… Read More »
“But you should remember that in order that our efforts may not be in vain, that our counsels may be heard, and our hopes realized, it is indispensable that we harmonize our acts with the principles of right and justice, by learning to triumph over our enemies and yet to still our evil passions!” – Antonio Luna The… Read More »
Most of us, the First Batch of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) who started schooling in 1967, are now enjoying some of life’s comforts, but occasionally, we remember the kind of hardships we experienced back then. Despite this life’s blessings, we cannot help but recall our days in the late 60s when we had to study as… Read More »
Many studies were conducted regarding the benefits of active engagement with music throughout the lifespan, particularly among children and youth. One of the studies authored by Susan Hallam, published in researchgate.net, investigated the impact of music on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people. Her paper revealed that children who were exposed and learned… Read More »