Resurgence
DESPITE some hiccups caused by natural disasters in the final quarter of last year, the Philippine economy remains as one of the fastest-growing in Asia. It was a remarkable turnout,…
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HSBC launches ‘Made For Trade’ initiative in LA
LOS ANGELES – On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, HSBC Bank, USA launched the Made For Trade initiative — an endeavor that looks to bring together leaders in business, government,…
Without a trace
MYSTERY still surrounds the case of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished into thin air (according to radar screens from ground control) while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing…
Beefing up
THE United States and the Philippines have expressed alarm over China’s recent move. On Wednesday, China announced a 12.2 percent increase in its military spending, amounting to $132 billion —…
Celebrating women
MARCH is International Women’s Month. It has been designated to acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of women around the world. With the theme: “Celebrating Women of Character,…
Record-breaking
WHEN it comes to contending for world records in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Philippines is always game. Recently, the country (through the Polytechnic University of the Philippines…
Axe to grind
THE principles behind international law are based upon universally accepted values and moral standards. Today, more and more aspects of regional relations are regulated by international legal norms. They involve…
Repressive law
SINCE its introduction to Filipinos in 1994, the Internet has provided boundless channels for people to exercise their right to know, express and be heard. Article III Section 4 of…
Phenomenal
Michael Christian Martinez’s may not be bringing a medal home, but in the eyes of his kababayans, he has already achieved a milestone — being the first Filipino-born, the first…
Judgment day
THE world’s population didn’t hit the 1 billionth threshold until the 19th century. Today, the numbers have since been growing by giant, exponential leaps. The world population has already breached…
The ‘American Dream’
SEVERAL developments in immigration occurred this week, beginning with the possibility of raising the cost of acquiring US citizenship, if immigration reform pushes through. The current cost of filing for…
Reparation
IN one of his most remarkable songs, popular singer/songwriter Elton John said that sorry seems to be the hardest word. This is true for most people. A sincere apology is…
Transparency
FILIPINOS have long desired for a more open and accountable government — a dream that may become reality soon enough. Gone are the days of secrecy and authoritarianism. President Benigno…
Rumination
THE National Day of Prayer is neither a political rally nor a spiritual event. With the theme “One Nation in Prayer,” last Monday’s gathering went beyond political separation and religious…
Brain drain
WHEN Labor Rosalinda Baldoz announced on January 12 that the government is “liberalizing the labor market and allowing entry of foreign workers with the required skills so we can fill…
Riding high
BY definition, a good politician is someone who does a good job at being a leader and representing his people’s best interests. Through polls, not only are leaders’ performance projected…
(Un)friendly reminder
A PRAGMATIC approach is always the best solution to resolve any conflict. On January 17 last year, the US Navy minesweeper, USS Guardian ran aground the Tubbattaha Reef while on…
Honesty pays
FOR returning $300,000 to its rightful owner, Las Vegas-based and 55-year-old Filipino cab driver Gerardo Gamboa has made his kababayans in the US proud. Yet, despite being lauded and rewarded,…
A year of highs and lows
AS 2013 comes to a close, Asian Journal would like to look back into the most significant events that have ensued in this Year of the Snake. 2013 had its…
Season of giving
THE Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world, beginning from December 16 (the start of the Simbang Gabi) until the first Sunday after New Year’s Day, also known…
Season of impunity
WITH Christmas and the new year only a few days away, the overall mood should be festive and celebratory. But with the spate of killings involving journalists and most recently,…