Category: Family

Are You A Ninong/Ninang Because You’re an OFW?

This goes out to our OFW friends who have been ignored by their network of friends in their earlier years as a regular factory worker in Philippine provinces or an ordinary blue-collar yuppie in Makati or Ortigas.

Have you ever wondered why among all your friends you were not considered as a Ninong or Ninang (Baptismal godparent/sponsor) to another friend’s new-born child?

It’s simple, right? Because you didn’t have a high-paying job. Your salary was not even enough for you. Worse, you didn’t have a job. Continue reading Are You A Ninong/Ninang Because You’re an OFW?

Why I Exercise My Right Not To Vote

Filipinos have been fighting for their right to vote. The right to write the names (or fill in the circles) of persons on a ballot who will lead (or mislead) them. The right to insult another person supporting the opposing candidate. And the right to have the index finger dipped in indelible ink.

In this nation where people have fought to exercise their right to vote in previous elections, there is at least one person who has been exercising his right otherwise.

And that’s ME. Continue reading Why I Exercise My Right Not To Vote

It’s My Blog’s Anniversary Today!

I’ve been blogging for over a decade already starting out with my online/email newsletter called “BURN! Express” back in 1999-2002. It was actually an unofficial fun/entertainment newsletter which I headed for the then current and former employees of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Philippines (C.L. Manabat/Navarro, Amper & Co currently).

By 2003, I started using Friendster and LiveJournal alternately in writing my thoughts and opinion about politics, religion, trekking, sports, personal advocacies, music, UFO’s, and relationships. I was also contributing articles to newspapers, reflection guides, and youth-oriented magazines and the experience was simply overwhelming. Continue reading It’s My Blog’s Anniversary Today!