Filed under Global Affairs …

Creating a Better World, Oppan Onyot Style

I want to be a lawyer because, for me, it’s a good way not only to earn a decent living but to help mankind at the same time. My family is poor. My father never had a stable job. He used to work as a truck driver, a passenger-jeepney driver, and a taxi driver. My … Continue reading →

An armchair environmentalist

Even if I flunked one grading period of my high school Chemistry and even if Science is a subject I don’t particularly have a strong affection with, I know what global warming is. It is partly caused by human activities. We released too much greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide and methane are some examples—into the atmosphere, so … Continue reading →

Is a less populous Philippines beneficial?

No, said Fr. Gregory Gaston at the seminar titled “World Population Collapse: Lessons for the Philippines,” which was held last night at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. I was not feeling well last night and yet I was able to take down notes. But I think it would be better if you read the … Continue reading →

Succisa virescit

I wondered if those people at Wowowee can have a motto of their own, but barely follow it, why can’t I? Thus I figured that I, too, should have my own motto not just for today, but for the entire year. And my motto is: “Succisa virescit,” or since Latin sounds archaic, I’ll stick to … Continue reading →

A start of something new

It has become an S.O.P. for everyone to make a New Year’s resolution—that list of “to do” that one must (highlight must) do for the entire year. And since we are a people afraid not to do what everyone else does, we do it with much gusto, though the truth is no one really takes … Continue reading →

When do we say, ‘This is it’?

Of course when we have already given all there is to it in us, whether we are doing a project, or joining in a singing competition, or washing the plates, or scrubbing the floor. Take Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is a perfectionist performer, and his being perfectionist can be seen in the rehearsals for his … Continue reading →

Quality teachers = quality education

Aside from the “No Prostitution Day,” today, October 5, is also the “World Teachers’ Day.” This year’s theme is “Build the Future: Invest in Teachers Now.” I think this year’s celebration is well-themed. We should really invest in the teachers. We should give as much focus to improving their lot as we do to students. … Continue reading →

The 21st century slavery

Among the places in Mindanao, Davao City is lucky enough to have been spared from the wars that continue to ravage its neighbors. But it has not been spared from what Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer prize-winning columnist in The New York Times, dubbed as the 21st century slavery—prostitution. Today, October 5, Davao City is celebrating … Continue reading →