The late President Noynoy Aquino. Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
DURING last Independence Day celebration, I was reminded of the call of my friend, the late President Noynoy Aquino, to stand firm in defense of our democracy: “We must be vigilant in the defense of our democracy and our freedoms.”
We must be proactive in protecting the principles of democracy, such as the right to freedom of speech, expression, and the rule of law, which form the bedrock of a just society.
Former President Aquino reminded us that protecting our democracy is not just the duty of governments and institutions but also an individual responsibility that requires constant awareness, engagement, and action. It serves as a call to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine democracy, ensuring that future generations can continue to live in a society that upholds their fundamental rights and freedoms.
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Victoria Toribio and Carmen Garcia met world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao in 2009 in Los Angeles, California. He was not yet a born-again Christian.
Fortunately, I met Manny Pacquiao three times.
The first time I met him was in February 2011 when I was working for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as a public relations consultant. He was then a congressman of Sarangani. He got seven ambulances for his district in exchange for his endorsement of the fund raising and charity programs of PCSO.
The second time I met him was when I was working for the late Congressman Iggy Arroyo (brother of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo) in the House of Representatives as a management consultant. That was during the State of the Nation Address of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The third time was when I was an associate professor at the University of Makati. He graduated on December 11, 2019, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a major in local government administration.
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In my class, I see to it that “no one is left behind.” I work to assure that every student regardless of their learning pace, abilities or background receives the necessary support and instruction to fully grasp the material and succeed in the class, ensuring that no student is left struggling or falling behind without adequate assistance.
I see to it I have the syllabus, with clear expectations as to rules and guidelines for student behavior and participation, consistency in the structure of activities, transitions between lessons, submission of tasks and assignments and even asking of questions. I see to it I use an effective time management. In a syllabus, I see to it I have the program’s mission statement to communicate its purpose and how it supports the college or university’s mission that can help define the program’s values and guiding principles. I always include in the syllabus the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongingness) by outlining my commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment and expectations with regard to respectful interactions among students with diverse background. I encourage respectful dialogue and provide accommodations for students with different needs. I motivate my students to feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and experiences. I have to admit I am also learning from my students for I believe learning is a continuous process.
I encourage my students to be critically minded and create an engaging environment where students are inspired to participate and develop a deeper interest in a certain topic that may lead to increased motivation and better learning results. There is energy, enthusiasm, excitement when discussing a material, making lessons lively and captivating, even sharing my own experiences and insights that make it more relevant and relatable for students. I promote a positive, supportive classroom atmosphere, connecting to real-world applications and thus contributing essentially to improved student’s performance.
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In the just-concluded 2025 Tony Awards, I am proud of Filipino Americans Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss. Same goes to Marco Paguia.
Nicole Scherzinger won Best Actress in a Musical for Sunset Boulevard. Darren Criss won Best Actor in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending while Marco Paguia won Best Orchestrations for Buena Vista Social Club.
Others who won are Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck as Best Choreography for Buena Vista Social Club. Jonathan Deans won Best Sound Design of a Musical for Buena Vista Social Club.
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Congresswoman Leila de Lima was so pleased and honored to be once again in touch and in conversation with US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson. They had very interesting exchanges on various subjects.
I vividly remember that I was one of those journalists who were invited in the US ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park in Makati City years ago when I was a correspondent of The Japan Times and a member of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.
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FAMAS best child actress Elia Ilano will appear soon in JPhlix Films’ “Magkapatid, Dreamers in Tandem”. It is a story of two siblings, one with physical disability, other one with intellectual challenges facing struggles and trials in school and in home while pursuing to attain good education. Along the struggles, they inspire others.
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I was in WiggleWorks Kids inside the Solano Town Center on Travis Blvd. in Fairfield, California attending Mattias Ayson Tanjuaquio’s 5th birthday.
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Sincerest condolences for the passing of Godelia Palco, who lived a life of grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. She touched countless lives with her gentle spirit and was a true reflection of God’s love.
A funeral mass was held on June 14, 2025 at Sto. Niño de Ibarra Parish. This was followed by interment at Ichon Public Cemetery, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
