Archive for the 'Culture' Category

The Forgiving Filipino

It is one of the virtues of Filipino society, and yet it is forgiveness that often trumps accountability. And thus the forgiving Filipino loses this virtue and has become a slave to it. A tragedy, maybe.
To forgive, divine. Is this what the religious Filipino society has done all throughout the ages, so […]

Is It Time To Ban Cockfighting?

Just writing that title is almost blasphemous in my family. I literally have the whole male side of my family as enthusiasts in this “sport”. Although, I may have inherited a different gene, I never had the fancy or interest in this “sport” one bit. I never liked the idea of betting […]

Preparing For Holy Week 2008

Holy week 2008 is upon us. Next week will be the second most awaited week for me personally. Other than the week of Christmas, this week is always celebratory and consists of many days of reflection on the gifts bestowed upon me. In the Philippines, Holy Week is like no other. […]

A Much Needed Paradigm Shift Regarding OFWs

With the recent Malu Fernandez controversy, as I have said in an earlier article, I certainly hope someday, sooner rather than later, that Malu’s paradigm shifts dramatically in terms of her discriminatory thinking towards Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). There is no wit that can be ascribed to her article, just plain bigotry. And […]

Could We Live in Peace, Please?

Edit:
I took down the video because it was inaccurate. The Islamic god Allah is not similar to the Judeo-Christian God. The differences between Jehovah Jireh/Jesus’ Abba and Allah are stark. You need not look further that the texts themselves to know.
While I certainly do not approve of the religion itself, I have compassion for […]

Cockfighting - Tigbakay - Sabong

Carcar, Cebu, Philippines - The sport of Cockfighting is deeply embedded in the blood of many Filipinos. In Cebu, they call it Tigbakay. And in Tagalog, the term is referred to as Sabong. I have cousins who participate in the sport, and take it to another level in terms of their dedication. […]

Because I have “no time to write/blog” :p

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I’m Not Killing Myself

Before anyone else emails me with regards to my previous post, Jose Rizal Mi Ultimo Adios, let me state that I am not killing myself. Apparently, when I ended the previous post with Mi Ultimo Adios, which is the last writing of our National Hero Jose Rizal, and which means “My Last Farewell”, some […]

Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero

photocredit Mell Zamora

A sculpture of Jose Rizal the Philippine’s National Hero.
It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice. — Jose Rizal
There can be no tyrants where there are no slaves. […]

Philippines From A British Perspective

(Photo by) Roland. (Thank you to Barbie for emailing us this story)
The following is from a British journalist stationed in the Philippines.
His observations are so hilarious!!!! This was written in 1999.
Matter of Taste
By Matthew Sutherland
I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in most respects well assimilated. However, there […]

110th Death Anniversary of our National Hero:Jose Rizal

Today we honor the 110th anniversary of our beloved National Hero, Jose Rizal. It’s Rizal Day. Let us remember the ultimate sacrifice that he made for the nation that he so dearly loved. Let us remember that this nation is founded upon sacrifice and love of country. Our nationalism, love of […]

Let’s Travel - Biyahe Tayo

I love The Philippines. When I say that, you probably don’t really know how much I mean it. I love the people, the culture, the land, the beauty of the sea, the beauty of the churches, the grandness of The Pearl of The Orient..
If you aren’t Filipino and you’re reading this, then I […]

Perseverance and Persistance of The Filipino People

As I have written in a previous article, I have often said that one of the greatest characteristics of The Filipino people in general is that of the quality of persistence and perseverance. In this time of tragedy, I cannot help but believe that this is yet another situation where we will persevere.
“I’m inspired […]

Two Proverbs Regarding Children

Here are two proverbs that have similar sentiments regarding children. The first one is a Filipino proverb and the second is taken from the Bible.
Ang gawa sa pagkabata, dala hanggang pagtanda. [What one learns in childhood he carries into adulthood]
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is […]

Filipinos Are A Turkey’s Best Friend

We would like to take this opportunity, to greet and wish our Kababayans, the Filipino-Americans, in The United States:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This holiday is just another reason why I think that no matter where a Filipino is situated in the world, he will always bring a piece of The Philippines along for the ride.
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A Filipino Farmer

Photocredit A Visit To Pagsanjan
Originally uploaded by Parc Cruz.

The Philippines is indeed an Agricultural Nation, and our Farmers will always have a special place in my heart.
My Grandfather was a farmer. Early in the mornings, he would go out, still dark, and prepare for a rough and physically exerting day at the farm.
Tending to […]