Power Of Words_Unlocked

Let's be real, this blog is a weird hybrid. It's my professional showcase, a place where I try to sound like I  know what I'm doing with freelancing, and apparently, a soapbox where I air my grievances about the Philippines because, well, sometimes I just have to vent.  One of these things is getting me clients. The other two? Crickets. So, why keep at it? Am I just a glutton for digital disappointment? It's possible. But there's more to it than that. Balancing Advocacy, Portfolio, and Expression The dream was noble: attract clients with my mad skills, empower other newbie freelancers, and be a voice of thoughtful reason (or impassioned outrage) on the state of our nation. Seemed doable, right? Wrong. Turns out, potential clients are more interested in website copy that doesn't start with a rant about the latest bureaucratic absurdity.  And fellow freelancers? Most of them want the easy fix, the magic trick to get clients yesterday.  They'd rather I just fix

The clickbait headline – a seductive mix of mystery, shock value, and the promise of juicy information – beckons irresistibly, even when you know you shouldn't click. Why does it seem like we Filipinos have a particular weakness for these online traps? Is it a deeply ingrained cultural trait? A sign of the apocalypse? (Well, maybe not that serious). Let's unravel the puzzle behind our clicking habits. The Curiosity Curse Filipinos are a naturally inquisitive bunch. The latest chismis (gossip), the trending topic on Twitter – we want to be in the know. Clickbait headlines exploit this curiosity. They dangle tantalizing tidbits of information, cleverly designed to leave us with that nagging feeling of "Wait, I need to know more!" Before we know it, we've clicked without a second thought. It's like trying to resist overhearing that juicy conversation at the other table...but in digital form. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO!) Imagine scrolling through your newsfeed and

Ever feel like you're walking through a conversational minefield? One wrong word, and BOOM – someone's offended.  Were people always this sensitive, or has the internet turned us all into a bunch of outrage addicts?  Let's be real, the 'Karen' phenomenon isn't exactly helping to calm things down. So, let's dive in and explore why everyone seems to be on a hair-trigger these days. It wasn't always this way. Remember the days of rotary phones?  Conversations moved slower, and there wasn't a global stage for every fleeting thought or knee-jerk reaction. The internet and social media have completely changed the game. They've amplified voices, accelerated the spread of information (and misinformation!), and created the illusion that everyone is perpetually outraged. The Digital Echo Chamber The internet, and social media in particular, are like a megaphone for every grievance under the sun. Those once-isolated rants from your slightly unhinged uncle a

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has a surprise for its passengers – and it's not a welcome one. Turns out, those comfy airport chairs come with a complimentary side of creepy crawlies. Yes, NAIA is now offering its very own "Bed Bugs and Chill" special, a delightful upgrade no one asked for. Apparently, NAIA has become a hub for a bed bug exchange program...the international kind. Airport officials suspect these well-traveled critters snuck in on luggage, ready to call those rattan chairs their new luxury resort. Imagine the jet lag these little guys must have! In fairness, the airport isn't just sitting back and letting passengers suffer. They've issued a heartfelt apology and are taking this infestation seriously. Deep cleaning is their new Olympic sport, with workers spraying the heck out of the furniture like they're going for bed bug extermination gold. The rattan seats, those cozy bug hideouts, have even been unceremoniously removed. Meanwh

(Photo borrowed from The Philippine Star) The Philippine government fiercely defended its sovereignty against the ICC. Yet, the Quiboloy case exposes a starkly different reality. Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed "Son of God" who leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, isn't just facing some minor legal hiccups. The US wants him extradited on charges of sex trafficking, forced labor, and a whole host of other deeply troubling accusations. Back here in the Philippines, he's supposed to answer to a Senate inquiry about allegations ranging from rape to human trafficking. Yet, the man openly mocks the authorities, practically daring them to find him while he broadcasts his own news network. A Two-Year Wait for Extradition? Okay, maybe there are diplomatic hurdles in getting Quiboloy on a plane to the US. But that indictment has been sitting there for two years now. Where's the sense of urgency?  Is this the same government that fiercely defended its sovereignty against

Honestly, when I first read about the Pura Luka Vega case, I had to do a double-take.  My first thought was, 'Oh no you didn't!' A drag performer dressing up in a religious costume and remixing the Lord's Prayer? It sounds like the plot of a bizarre satirical film, but it's a very real controversy, so I grabbed a bucket of popcorn and watched how the  case unfolded with intense curiosity.  Naturally, this situation reminded me of the case of Carlos Celdran. His 2010 protest inside the Manila Cathedral, where he dressed as Jose Rizal and held a 'Damaso' sign during an ecumenical service, challenged the Church's perceived interference in political matters. As the Celdran case showed, bold artistic expressions or protests that challenge the Church can earn its strong disapproval. Celdran was convicted of offending religious feelings, leading to his exile in Madrid. He passed away there in 2019 from a heart attack.  This begs the question– is Pura Luka Vega

Hey everyone, I want to be honest with you – things are changing around here.  For a while now, this blog has been my space to connect with all of you about freelancing. We've talked about finding clients, setting rates, managing projects – the whole shebang! Lately though, freelancing has taken a bit of a backseat in my life. There are personal reasons for this that I won't delve into, but the outcome is clear: my priorities are shifting. It's tough, especially knowing how many of you rely on these freelancing discussions. The New Direction Instead of feeling defeated, I'm choosing to be excited! I'm still a passionate writer, and I have another huge passion in my life: the Philippines.  Our country is so vibrant, with incredible stories unfolding every day. From politics to culture, and everything in between, there's so much to explore and discuss. That's why I'm pivoting the focus of this blog.  Going forward, I'll be diving into the t

So, they want to change the Constitution again. This time, they claim it's for the economy's sake, heralding it as the key to a golden age for the Philippines. The idea of foreign investments flooding in, businesses mushrooming, and jobs available for all sounds enticing. But haven't we heard these promises before?  Recall the '70s, when martial law was pitched as the solution to all ills, promising a "New Society" to make the Philippines great. However, historical records show that the era, while marked by infrastructural development, also led to economic downturns, with the country's foreign debt ballooning from $2.3 billion in 1972 to $28.3 billion in 1986. Now, the appeal for prosperity and a brighter future for our children is universal. Yet, skepticism arises from the notion that a few amendments could miraculously rectify deep-rooted issues.  The current Constitution, designed to shield us from abuse, has its merits. The question arises:

Remember that awkward moment at a family reunion when a Tita loudly asked if you'd gained weight?  Or when a random stranger online felt the need to comment on a celebrity's thighs?  Maybe someone called you " payatot " assuming you don't eat well, or teased you about your legs. That's body shaming, and it's way too common in the Philippines.  I remember when the saleslady grimaced and suggested a bigger size when I asked for a pair of jeans. That stuck with me for weeks.  Tired of letting those comments erode your self-esteem? Maybe you're even guilty of making similar remarks without realizing the harm they cause. Well, it's time to change the conversation. The Reality of Body Shaming in Our Culture Let's be real; in the Philippines, commenting on people's bodies is practically a national pastime. We discuss weight fluctuations, make "helpful" diet suggestions, or tease people with nicknames like  " balyenang baboy. "

A friend and former colleague in the radio industry posted a question on Facebook that caught my eye a little while ago: "Is blogging still a thing?" It made me smile – after all, blogging is how I pay some of my bills. But more importantly, it reminded me of that moment when I was wondering the same thing. You see, this friend is one of the smartest people I know. He has a wicked sense of humor and a unique worldview. In short, I knew he'd make a fantastic blogger. So, for my smart and funny friend considering the blogging world and anyone else who wonders if it's still relevant, here's my take. What is a blog, anyway? At its core, a blog is an online space where someone shares their thoughts, ideas, knowledge, or experiences. It's like a personal journal but published for the world to see (if you choose!). People blog for tons of reasons: Creative outlet: Blogging provides a platform for self-expression and sharing passions. Community building: A blog can f

My relationship with my phone is getting out of hand. Every buzz, every alert, every ding – it's like a little jolt of happiness floods my brain. That's the thing about dopamine, our body's personal pleasure chemical. It's great when you're doing things that keep you alive, but those endless scrolling sessions on social media? Yeah, not so much in the grand survival scheme. Here's how I figured out I've got a bit of a digital dopamine addiction problem and what I'm doing about it. Understanding Dopamine Addiction Turns out, those likes, comments, and endless content streams are like little digital cocaine hits. Social media platforms, games, and even news sites are engineered to keep us hooked with quick, easy dopamine rewards. All those little bursts keep me craving another fix, and before I know it I've burned through an hour and learned absolutely nothing of value. Worse, it's not just about wasting time - being constantly hooked into this dop

A teenager in Manila hesitates at the door of a public restroom. The signs say "Men" and "Women," but neither feels right. They're not just a girl or a boy anymore; something inside is shifting, questioning the labels the world has given them. This small yet profound moment speaks to the heart of gender sensitivity. It's about seeing beyond the signs and understanding the person standing before them. We live in a world where gender expressions are vast and varied, yet our words often fall short. The challenge is clear in the Philippines, where every " kuya " and " ate " carries weight. We need to shift how we speak and think in offices and everywhere. Let's start with the basics right here before diving deeper. It's time to learn, unlearn, and relearn—for everyone's sake. Understanding Gender Sensitivity The argument is as old as time: God created only two genders, male and female. This belief has shaped societies for centurie

Photo borrowed from The Inquirer When Mariel Rodriguez posted the glutathione drip photo ( Vitamin C drip lang daw, kayo naman ) in the stately confines of Senator Robinhood Padilla's office, the ripple effect was immediate.  Senator Nancy Binay's subsequent reflection on this act ignited public discourse and prompted a deeper personal inquiry for me. As the spouse of a government official, this incident struck a chord. It begged the question: where do we draw the line? What is permissible for public officials and their kin, and what falls outside the bounds of propriety? This scenario unfurls against Republic Act 6713, a legislative canvas sketching the ethical contours for those in public service. Yet, as I delved into the nuances of this law, the question loomed larger: Did Mariel's actions, by extension, blur these ethical lines? This introduction is not just a prelude to a discussion; it's an invitation to navigate the intricate dance of ethics, public service, and