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…
AFTER a successful state visit to Canada and a meeting with Fil-Am community leaders in Chicago, President Noynoy Aquino’s return to Manila has reignited the curiosity of many kababayans as to who PNoy will anoint in the May 2016 Presidential Elections, which will be happening in less than a year. For the longest time, many…
WHO “saved” Mary Jane Veloso’s life? The harsh truth is that no one has. All she got was a reprieve. A postponement. The prospect of facing a firing squad still looms like a specter in the coming days or months. We should all pray that her death sentence is withdrawn and she is granted clemency…
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…
NO matter how much we Filipinos pride ourselves in being resilient and blessed with the unbelievable grace of moving on after a loss, there are just times when we seem to need more supernatural power to shake off our disappointment. Such is the case over the defeat of our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao to the…
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…
IF your age is past three-fourths of a century it’s probably time to consider your retirement options. My wife and I have decided to spend most of what remains of our lives in the land of our birth. We’ve lived in America for nearly 30 years. America is a great country. The subway is efficient….
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…
What do the magical healing of a 65 year old Caucasian woman and 18 fabulous Asian caregivers have in common? “Fresh Off The Boat,” the hottest new comedy on ABC, #1 in its time slot, Tuesdays at 8pm. Its creator, Nahnatchka Khan was born in Las Vegas. For the sake of full disclosure, I am…
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…
THE recent Social Weather Station (SWS) and Pulse Asia reports on the performance and trust ratings of President Noynoy Aquino have been grist for those who want to see him ride off into the sunset before his official tenure ends. The SWS survey showed him with 47 percent satisfied, down 16 points from the December…
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…
BALITANG America shared with kababayans on The Filipino Channel the not-so-good news, especially for those who are hoping that President Barack Obama’s executive order on immigration will finally be given the green light for implementation. Just a day before its supposed implementation that would benefit up to five million immigrants who are living in the…
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…
WHAT would you do if your own young son was forced by police officers to fight another inmate more than twice his size, gladiator style, just so they have a source of cheap entertainment in their place of work? What would you do if this son was threatened not only to be deprived of food,…
HAPPY EASTER! May the following collection of quotes and verses inspire you to live a new life in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do…
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…
THIS season of Lent, we as Christians are once again made to introspect and answer as honestly as possible: Do we really believe in God? Do we really believe with all our heart that we should just put all our trust in Him to make all things work together for the good? It is easy…
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…
EVERY now and then we hear horrible stories of kababayans who put their trust in another Filipino only to find out that their trust, — and yes, desperation for many — had caused them to be victimized by the very people they thought would help them give their families a better life by working in…
ALL the noises being made about President Aquinoâs role in the Mamasapano tragedy may be likened to Macbethâs frustrated commentary on life: âFull of sound and fury, signifying nothing.â While the public may have already decided that Aquino is, to a lesser or greater degree, responsible, accountable and culpable for the tragic fate of 44…
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…
MONTHS after the botched terror mission in Mamasapano that claimed the lives of at least 65 people, including 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers, the trust and approval rating of President Benigno Aquino III has fallen to its lowest level yet. The President’s addition to the confusion about the issue could have contributed to this,…
JUDICIAL reform remains to be an important policy issue in the Philippines. The institution is still haunted with problems relating to corruption, incompetence, delay in the administration of justice and access to justice by the poor. The current situation in Makati City is not helping resolve such a herculean task. Tension enveloped the city after…
Is the President and Commander-in-Chief Benigno Aquino III “ultimately responsible” for the botched Mamasapano anti-terror operation that claimed the lives of at least 60 people, including 44 elite Special Action Force troopers last January 25? This was the question that begged to be answered throughout the investigations conducted on Oplan Exodus, the mission to neutralize…
