This issue has been pushed back for a month due to several reasons, some of which are beyond the editorial control. We continue to receive below expectation for articles that might create balance content and widespread coverage, both from the Philippines and North America. We still remain hopeful that many among us who are gifted […]
It has been a tradition in the Philippines, particularly around the vicinity of the Quiapo Basilica in Metro Manila, that Semana Santa (Holy Week) comes a week after the New Year revelry, or so it seems. Thousands of the faithful descend to the venue quite popular as plagued by traffic gridlock, petty crimes, supernatural cures, […]
Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States has been traditionally regarded as “booze day” every particular weekend in March, that the public have been so used to the police and administrators of the metro urging folks to take the trains instead of insisting to drive home; and never to take drinks with them into any […]
Visita Iglesia is a practice steeped in tradition especially in the Philippines. This is usually done during the Holy Thursday Vigil when the Holy Sacrament is transferred to the altar of repose. While not essentially part of the liturgy, this however has been widely accepted as popular piety. The custom of visiting seven churches probably […]
It was my first bout with the infamous traffic deadlock from MOA, Pasay City to Loyola Grand Villas, Quezon City. For the most part during the trip I entertained myself by looking out fleetingly at silhouettes of the colossal infrastructures I have not seen before. I was in awe as we drove by many of […]
It didn’t take Medelianism philosophy for Iloilo Filii to figure out the best venue to hold a mini re-union and a welcome bash for fray Ted Fullona, a fellow Ilonggo who was on vacation and back in Dumalag, Capiz during the week of February 11th. On short notice and under pressure in rounding up would-be […]
The rhythmic sound of drum beats emanating two blocks away from where we stand begins to vibrate. As the sound gets closer and louder, you can sense the excitement on painted faces of spectators and revelers — boys, girls, men, women, seniors — aged from as young as two to as old as one can […]
LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL TAGLE, Archbishop of Manila, was proclaimed Peace Awardee for 2018 by the Rotary Club of Makati-San Lorenzo, on February 23rd 2018. This was also in celebration of the 113th anniversary of Rotary International. Among its 6 Areas of Focus is Peace and Conflict Resolution. Here are some of my takeaways from his extemporaneous […]
Intramuros at the time of the Spanish Colonial period was synonymous to the City of Manila. Other towns and suburbs beyond the city walls were referred to as “extramuros” or “outside the walls”. It was both the seat of government and center of its social institutions: religion, education and economy. In December 1941, despite the […]
The advent of the Holy Week in the Philippines herald the start of the travel season, especially since most schools have not yet adapted to the September school opening. For countless among us, our smartphones and laptops are a must-bring to make our travel productive and memorable. Be it taking selfies or walk-about vlogs, video-conferencing […]
Hello there! Welcome back! Last time, we’ve learned that the first principle of wealth accumulation is that we reap what we sow both metaphorically – in our subconscious, and physically – in the world. Today, we are going to talk about the second principle of wealth accumulation. It is, like the first, quite apparent in […]
A lawyer, a priest and a politician hunt in the jungle and are captured by a tribe. The tribal chief asks the lawyer, “What do you want on your back for your whipping?” Lawyer responds, “Apply oil!”. So they put oil on his back and whip him ten times. When he is finished, the lawyer […]
The Soccer Champions of 1976 Forty two years ago, some members of the Dominican postulancy in Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines made history by winning the 1976 Region I, Ilocos Region Athletic Association (IRAA) Soccer Championship. It was possibly the best year in competitive sports of Dominican seminarians in the Philippines if not in the world. The […]
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they […]
“You can have flaws, be anxious, and ever angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a road […]
There is no doubt that we all share one commitment. This is our commitment to serve. And this should come as no surprise. After all, our motto is “SERVICE ABOVE SELF”. And our Object of Rotary reminds us that it is the IDEAL OF SERVICE that Rotary encourages and fosters in all its activities everywhere. It […]
While Papa Gandong extended both hands, Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad.” Do you know what my Papa Gandong did that night before he died? He raised both his hands as if he was reaching up and as if someone was extending his hands invisibly towards him. Then, he clapped his hands three times; and […]
Life is a game that can be played well by anyone who knows its rules. But what a shame, for as we grow old we forgot what we’ve been told. “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you change and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt:18:13) When we […]
This is a usual game…or should I say unusual? Hands are dealt but there’s no point in winning, since although one wins, it’s neither a victory nor triumph over something. For some, it’s a rather selfless game, since the usual player normally shields the other from a bad hand. Any other, but himself. A game […]
“Making Life A Little Sweeter”…does say our company’s slogan printed on almost all of our flyers, website, marketing brochures, product catalogues and even at the back of our business cards. Since April 4, 2011, I’ve been working as corporate’s Supplier Quality Engineer, for Florida Crystals Corporation and later formed as ASR-Group Inc. in 2013. The […]
My excitement erases the rigors of eighteen hours of intercontinental flight from Toronto, Vancouver, and Hongkong as we descend in Terminal 3 of the Ninoy International Airport at 10:45 in the evening on January 10th. I have been to many airports in North America and most of the Caribbean islands and I could easily deduce […]
Life keeps on turning circles no matter where or when you ride, but if one knows the rules of the game, it doesn’t have to be a mindless, meaningless spin.
Portrait photography is not only about lighting or composition. It is the ability of the photographer or photographer assistant to direct a model to strike a pose that looks right and compelling. As photographer, one of your mandates is to creatively and uniquely get the most out of the model you are photographing. Be prepared. […]
As little kids, we were more enamored by Christmas with its jolly air and countless gifts; we didn’t know yet then that there is still a more significant celebration and symbol that ought to take hold of us — and it isn’t the Easter Bunny, silly! Perhaps one good thing that the rather gloomy, poignant […]
