Election Day and the Trees of Elias

This morning, one of my history professors in college sent me via email an English narrative version of Mga Puno ni Elias (Elias & His Trees). It was an opportune moment to stroll down memory road. I remember Sir Jay as the budding Jose Rizal of our time, largely because of his erudition in Philippine literature and his unquestioned devotion to his family and students. I have not...

Cat@lyst launched for social change

CEBU CITY - With the recent fiery horse race between telecom companies in the Philippines, Globe has demonstrated a remarkable feat that pushes them on the edge in terms of customer relations and innovations. A press launch at Harold’s Hotel was administrated by  representatives from Globe (headed by Glenn Ong) to discuss to the bloggers and people from the media about their most...

Open letter to a dear friend

Hello M, I know you have a strict policy of anonymity, so allow me to address you with the initial M. When I first laid my eyes on the gift you gave me for my birthday, everything in me, right down to the tiny hairs of my skin, was expressing joy. I couldn’t be happier. I went to Dumaguete alone. I stayed there for four days. It was the most refreshing decision I made —...

Digest 7

23 April Today, 17 years ago, UNESCO celebrated its first World Book and Copyright Day. Member States of UNESCO around the world commend the power of books to bring people together and communicate the culture of different countries, race, ethnicity, and their dreams of a better future. This day provides an opportunity to reflect together on ways to better disseminate the culture of the...

Ethics and religion

What is Ethics? When you ask people around you what ethics means, some might define it with their religious beliefs; others might define it as cultural values, code of conduct or principles. Most people define ethics as “set of values or principles” whether by an individual or a group. Each one has his or he own ethics. The question now is who has a better set of values? You now try to...