For most couples, it’s easier to think about Valentine’s Day when you and your significant other are at close proximity compared to those who are far apart. While couples who get to celebrate this special day with their loved ones are luckier, the distance could be just a test to see how far your love…
While the days leading to Christmas Day are usually festive, there is no denying that this season makes one wistful and sentimental. I recently received a message from a relative who moved to the U.S. from the Philippines earlier this year. She said she was feeling homesick and that the American Christmas season is not…
Everyone seems hyped up for the holidays, hurrying to wrap up their shopping and head on to parties and get-togethers. This holiday season, chances are, you will be spending much of your time traveling. Since streets will be a lot busier (and in some places, raining, snowing or covered with ice and frost), it’s a…
Filipinos are known to be adaptive and creative. Whenever we try to assimilate something, be it language or food, we are fond of reinventing and putting a fresh Filipino spin to it. Take the American time-honored Thanksgiving dinner, for example. Filipinos in the United States have had the opportunity to showcase their creative culinary flair…
Both Americans and Filipinos acknowledge their countries’ relationship is a “special one,” said Frank H. Golay in the book “The United States and the Philippines,” published by the American Assembly. Tracing back the pieces of history until the most recent issues emanating between the two countries, it is likely true. From the issues such as…
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes “green vehicles” as more efficient and less polluting compared to standard vehicles. These vehicles have lesser emissions and help save fuel, which, in return, help save the environment and your money. In the U.S., vehicles that burn gasoline and diesel fuel are still the main form of…
Our jobs occupy a big chunk of our lives. That’s why it’s no surprise it is called occupation. To quote Apple founder Steve Jobs, “The only way to do a great work is to love what you do.” Sure, it is easier said than done, because at some point, loving what we are doing can…
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is encouraging Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to use the tax-free “Balikbayan Box” program, saying that no one has availed of it yet as of this month. “We are encouraging the OFWs to avail of this program. Isa itong pagpaparangal sa ating mga OFWs (This is one way of recognizing our…
SOME Mindanao leaders were in defense and even expressed their optimism despite the recent snubbing by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of its rival Moro group, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). On Monday, July 17, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim did not mention MNLF as he acknowledged the different groups that helped in…
For his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to deliver a “direct to the point” speech that will run for about 50 minutes, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar disclosed on Friday, July 21. Andanar, who was present during Duterte’s rehearsal at the presidential guest house in Davao City on…
THE Philippines’ ruling political party is open to the possibility of learning new ideologies, policies — this time, from China’s sole governing party. Speaking before visiting Filipino journalists in Fujian province in China, Communist Party of China (CPC) officials said that in December 2016, the Philippines’ ruling political party PDP-Laban entered into an agreement with…
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said on Wednesday, July 19, that the Ombudsman’s indictment against former president Benigno Aquino III over the botched Mamasapano operation in 2015 is “weak.” Last week, the Ombudsman indicted Aquino for violation of the anti graft law and usurpation of authority for allowing his friend, suspended former Philippine National Police (PNP)…
The alleged police-suspects for killing an accused drug lord and an inmate have not yet served their suspension orders, Philippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa revealed on Monday, July 17. Dela Rosa said Psupt. Marvin Marcos, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas (CIDG-8) and his co-accused men filed their…
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales clarified that her “goading people to kill” comment was her own personal view and not something dictated by the law. “Her answer was ‘goading people to kill’ irrespective of the context is, to me, unacceptable.’ She did not say anything about any law against threatening criminals,” the Office of the Ombudsman said…
ON some rare occasions, President Rodrigo Duterte can be soft toward his critics and their harsh remarks. Duterte, in his speech during former president Fidel Ramos’ book launching on Monday, July 17, said that he “accepts” the advice and “respect” the criticisms the former president throws against him. “I respect your criticism. I accept…
