“The greatest wealth is health,” wrote ancient Roman poet Virgil. The formula of a well-balanced diet, managing stress levels, getting more than eight hours of sleep and exercising at least 30 minutes a day has long been thought of as the key of health. Additionally, “wellness” has been a buzzword to encompass a more holistic…
AFTER a week of competition against more than 6,000 athletes from 165 countries, the 35 athletes representing the Philippines claimed 59 medals during the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. From July 26 to Aug. 1, the Philippines competed in seven categories – aquatics, athletics (track and field), badminton, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting and…
WHEN tensions arise and compromise stifle dialogue and cooperation, you bring it to court—through diplomatic means. When uncontrolled escalations and biased communication make countries in contention unable to design an agreeable solution, a third party needs to get involved and international law prevails. This pragmatic approach is the intervention the Philippines is banking on for…
NILDA MCKELLAR celebrated her birthday with a fun feast shared by friends and family at the Palms Hotel & Casino last Friday, June 5. McKellar, a zealous activist, passionate philanthropist and efficient entrepreneur, is considered a pillar in the Las Vegas Filipino-American community where she founded several organizations including the Philippine International Association of Nevada…
THE USS Ronald Reagan, described as one of the most lethal “supercarriers” in the world, is on its way to Japan to be the US Navy’s deployed aircraft carrier in the Seventh Fleet. Carrying at least 65 aircrafts and around 5,000 highly trained US Navy and Air Force personnel, the USS Reagan represents the command…
Japanese company Takata Corp. on Tuesday, May 19, expanded its recall of vehicles in the United States containing its defective airbags to nearly 34 million, following more than a decade of denying that the devices were faulty. The airbags, which can shoot out shrapnel into the cabin when deployed, have been linked to six deaths…
Attempting to persuade the Chargers to stay in San Diego, a mayoral committee proposed a financial plan this week for building an approximately $1.1-billion new NFL stadium. The plan includes major public contributions, but not a tax increase, officials said, and would include $300 million from the Chargers, $200 million from the NFL, $173 million…
According to a new report, the average worker needs to earn at least $30.92 an hour to afford the rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment in Orange County. The “Out of Reach” report, released May 19 by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition and the Kennedy Commission, says the typical fair market rent for a two-bedroom…
Plaintiffs in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill have reached a $211 million settlement with Transocean, the rig owner involved in the environmental disaster. The Swiss-based oil drilling contractor company announced that it has reached agreements with a group of individual plaintiffs and BP, the oil company that operated the rig. “These settlements together…
MAY 23, 2015 marks the Samahang Pilipino at UCLA’s 38th Annual Samahang Pilipino Cultural Night (SPCN). With a committee of 30 individuals, a cast comprised of over 200 participants, and an audience of 1,600 guests, SPCN has become more than a show — it is a beloved tradition, and an opportunity for cast and audience…
“THE key for the future of any country and any institution lies in the talent, skills and capabilities of its people. With talent shortages projected to become more severe in much of the developed and developing world, it will be imperative to turn our attention to how these shortages can be met in the short…
In 2004 Carol Carreon surprised many and retired from a prominent career in the Philippines. She was President and CEO of BayanTrade, Managing Director of SAP Philippines, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, General Manager of MegaLink and Vice-President of the Development Academy of the Philippines. She was also once a Senior Project…
SENATOR Grace Poe used to be a darling, not only in the entertainment world which saw her being raised by her adoptive parents movie icons, Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces. She was also very much liked in politics, especially after she topped the senatorial race in 2010. In fact, suddenly, many politicians wanted to…
TODAY, the world is more prone to extreme natural hazards. No one is ever really prepared or safe when Mother Nature releases her wrath. Even the most resilient nations bow down whenever she strikes. Another deadly earthquake shook Nepal on Tuesday, May 12. At least 70 people are reported dead following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake…
EMPHASIZING the ongoing territorial dispute with Asian super power China, the Philippine government realized that it is never too late to equip the country’s security forces with a much-needed upgrade, in case the worst case scenario arises. The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program has been long overdue, but now is the perfect…
FLOYD Mayweather Jr. may have won and maintained his unblemished record, but many questioned his underwhelming victory over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2. And despite his loss, many Filipinos are still celebrating Pacquiao’s recent performance against the undefeated American fighter in the overhyped “Fight of the Century.” Pacquiao’s kababayans are now waiting for his…
MORE than the money and title, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s most precious prize from the biggest fight of his career is uniting Filipinos who are supporting him as he dukes it out with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday, May 2. Whenever Pacman steps into the boxing ring, Filipinos around the world are glued to their television…
“IT is a miracle.” Many Filipinos and supporters around the world heaved a sigh of relief after the Indonesian government decided to postpone the execution of convicted overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso. Veloso was given a last-minute reprieve from her scheduled execution by a firing squad by Indonesian Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo. Prasetyo…
OVERSEAS Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso made headlines after an Indonesian court ruled she is guilty of drug trafficking. In Indonesia, the crime is punishable by death, and Veloso is now awaiting her execution by a firing squad. Veloso’s lawyers, however, are arguing that she unknowingly was used by her recruiter, an alleged member…
MANY opportunities (and dangers) lie in the sea. Because the sea plays a major role in globalization, it also provides an access to actions of oppression, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, smuggling, and other illicit activities. Countries invest on their maritime forces and capabilities to man the waters not only to protect their sovereignty, but also…
AFTER weeks of rallying to officials, the Filipino community in San Francisco finally won its battle in asking to provide funding and support for Filipino language classes in city schools. With funds now available, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is now ready to hire its first full-time Filipino-speaking teacher starting next school…
SCIENTISTS say the earthquake fault that runs through the coastal city of Ventura can produce “strong shaking and dangerous tsunamis,” according to new research. The fault cuts through the heart of downtown Ventura, past City Hall and the historic mission, before leading into the Pacific Ocean. For decades, seismic experts believed the fault posed only…
THE world is alarmed by China’s recent activities. Reports are continually revealing that the economic giant has been aggressively claiming the disputed South China Sea. President Benigno Aquino III warned that the ongoing reclamation and construction activities of China in the disputed territories may have damaging effects on the international trade. Seven of the world’s…
THE number of gun-related deaths and injuries in the world is alarming. Every day, as many as 1,000 people die, while millions more are wounded from firearms or guns. According to Gunpolicy.org, there are at least 875 million firearms in the world. 75 percent of these guns are owned by civilians. Every year, eight million…
IT has been 73 years after Filipino and American soldiers waved the white flag before Japanese troops. Now the war veterans, who are in their twilight years, plea before the Philippine and US governments for higher pension and recognition for their unwavering bravery. Of the 200,000 Filipino soldiers who fought in World War II, only…
ALTHOUGH modernization demolishes geographical barriers and moves the world toward an amalgamated economy, clashes among cultures continue to have a damaging impact on world peace and security. Grim news of insurgency and terror attacks make international headlines every day. Because of cross-cultural ignorance, the essence of civilization is compromised. The international community has valiantly dealt…
THE Holy Week is a very spiritual and significant time for the predominantly Catholic population. The days making up this week hold a deep meaning for Filipinos because Lenten season comes to an end in the last week of Jesus’ life—traditionally called Holy Week. During this time, the important events of His finals days on…
WHILE President Benigno Aquino III continuously reports the country’s economic gains, Filipinos have yet to enjoy such good news. According to a recent survey, the majority of Filipinos consider themselves “struggling” or “suffering” financially. US-based think tank Gallup-Healthways’ State of Global Well-Being Index 2014 reported that 52 percent of the Filipino respondents said they are…
ANOTHER school year is wrapping up in the Philippines. Students, educators and parents in different schools around the country are all geared up for the commencement exercises to welcome the march of 2015 graduates. Through the years graduation has been an annual event that brings Filipinos together to celebrate the next generation’s accomplishments. “Your education…
IN an Elton John song, the renowned singer said, “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” This cannot be more accurate for President Benigno Aquino III’s current predicament. Aquino is accused of being mainly responsible for the botched Jan. 25 Mamasapano operation that caused the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos and 17…
