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Is the name 'Marites' familiar to you? They're the constant whisperers and commenters in our vibrant Filipino communities. Maybe you've been a victim of their tsismis, or even a target in an unsettling social media storm. These encounters may seem inconsequential, but the emotional impact can be profound, and the resulting social ripples can disrupt the unity of our communities. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide on managing the Marites in your life and cultivating a culture of positivity that can drive transformative social change. The Origin and Usage of 'Marites' My sincere thanks to @SarkisAlyTV for allowing me to borrow this video. Subscribe to their channel here . In the vibrant and rich tapestry of Filipino culture, language plays an integral part in shaping societal norms and behaviors. One such cultural artifact is the term 'Marites,' a name that has found its way into popular parlance, symbolizing rumor-mongering. But where did

A Newbie's Guide to Getting A Job As a Freelancer

- October 27, 2022

Becoming a freelancer can be pretty straightforward. You just need to find a client willing to hire you for any specific project and accept the given terms and conditions. Make sure you are getting paid enough for the time spent on the project, and you should be okay. Freelancing offers many benefits that traditional work cannot provide. Freelancers are their own bosses. They control when they want to work, how much they want to work, and where they want to work. They also get flexibility in terms of their income-since freelancers set their own rates based on their skill sets; there's no limit as far as how much money you can make, and you can become a specialist in a particular field. Many people start freelancing without prior experience and do not know what to do. You can avoid this by following these three steps: 1. Find the right job offer that suits your skills and experience With so many different jobs available, it can be challenging to find the right one for

Confessions of a Confused Parent: Decoding My Teen's Internet Lingo

- April 08, 2024

Let's be honest, who remembers cassette tapes and dial-up internet? This Gen X parent has seen it all – the rise and fall of technological trends, the awkward (and sometimes glorious) evolution of communication. I prided myself on being somewhat tech-savvy, navigating the ever-changing digital landscape with relative ease. After all, I survived the transition from bulky desktop computers to sleek laptops, from brick phones to smartphones. So, when it came to online communication, I figured I was reasonably hip. That was until a recent text exchange with my teenager threw a major curveball. My suggestion for dinner elicited a reply that left me scratching my head–a simple " YESSSS! ". Now, in my book, those extra "S"s reeked of passive-aggressive annoyance. Weren't " Yes! " or even an enthusiastic emoji enough? My internal monologue simmered with confusion until my daughter, bless her, picked up on my bewilderment. That's when the truth hit m

From Controversy to Hero: How Duterte’s Missteps Might Set Up Marcos for Redemption

- April 15, 2024

You might wonder why another political analysis would matter, especially from someone like me— an unknown kitchen table philosopher . But bear with me. What if the chaotic regime of Rodrigo Duterte inadvertently set the stage for his successor, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., to look good? It’s a wild ride through Philippine politics, but let’s dive in. Keep an open mind, particularly if you’re a Marcos fan. This isn’t about taking sides; it’s about acknowledging some messy truths. Controversy marked Rodrigo Duterte's term. Remember the headlines about his brutal anti-drug campaigns? They left thousands dead and drew international outrage at their blatant disregard for human rights. The guy's style was a mix of populism and authoritarianism, painting a grim picture for human rights in the Philippines. International bodies has widely criticized Duterte's approach, including the UN, which repeatedly flagged human rights violations under his rule. Enter Bongbong Mar

Tablets as Pacifiers: Rethinking Our Relationship with Screens

- April 08, 2024

Growing up in the Philippines in the 1980s, a misbehaving child might get a scolding or even a spanking. We called it discipline, and while I wouldn't choose that parenting method now, it did instill a sense of self-control in me. Today, I see a different extreme. Kids fuss or whine, and instantly, they're handed a tablet or a smartphone to quiet them down. We seem to have traded one kind of pacifier for another. I understand the temptation of screens – they're distracting and entertaining. But I worry that relying too heavily on them as behavior regulators may do more harm than good. Our kids may miss out on developing crucial self-regulation skills, navigating the complex digital world, and building meaningful connections with their parents. It's true that excessive screentime has drawbacks, but let's look at the potential drawbacks of being too restrictive as well. Screentime and Self-Regulation Children learn self-regulation by trial and error. When we immedia

Is Diskarte a Toxic Filipino Trait? The Fine Line Between Resourcefulness and Opportunism

- November 09, 2023

Growing up in the Philippines, the word “diskarte” was everywhere. Friends and family often remark, “ Mayaman’ yan kasi madiskarte sa buhay, ” praising someone’s knack for thriving. Or they’d say, “ Tingnan mo’ to si Gino, kulang sa diskarte kaya hirap na hirap, ” about someone struggling due to a lack of resourcefulness. But “diskarte” can be a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s about making smart moves, like a vendor finding the best spot to sell more fish. On the other, it’s about cutting corners, like someone whispering, “ Kaya ka na-ticketan ng LTO kasi kulang ka sa diskarte. Sana pina-ipitan mo na lang ng 200, ” suggesting a bribe to avoid a ticket. This duality of diskarte, how it’s celebrated for ingenuity and yet can slide into questionable acts, is what we’re delving into. Is this trait truly toxic, or is it just survival? Let’s take a closer look. Diskarte: The Filipino Art of Ingenuity and Its Edges Diskarte is a word that captures the Filipino’s knack for clever solutio

My Phone is My Drug Dealer: Breaking My Digital Dopamine Addiction

- February 27, 2024

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

Freelancers Can Indeed Secure U.S. Tourist Visas: Insights and Success Stories

- November 11, 2023

Have you ever encountered the myth that freelancers can't get a U.S. tourist visa? It's a widespread belief, leading many freelancers to doubt their chances of exploring the United States. However, while there are stories of freelancers facing visa denials, numerous instances prove otherwise. Several people I know have been granted a B1/B2 visa despite their freelance status. This article doesn't aim to disprove this long-standing myth entirely but rather to present the other side of the story - that of freelancers successfully obtaining a U.S. tourist visa. We'll explore the factors influencing a freelancer's visa application and provide insights into how they can enhance their chances. Understanding the U.S. Tourist Visa Before we delve into the unique situation of freelancers, let’s understand what a U.S. tourist visa, or B1/B2 visa, entails. This visa is for individuals visiting the U.S. for leisure, tourism, or medical reasons. It’s important to note that a to

Copyright Controversy: A Look at the "Selos" Song, the Lenka Similarities, Online Responsibility, and Unexpected Publicity

- March 20, 2024

The online world can be a passionate place, and recently, that passion ignited around a music copyright issue. A Filipino song titled "Selos" (meaning "jealousy") was flagged for copyright infringement on YouTube. The reason? Similarities between its melody and Lenka's popular song "Trouble Is a Friend." As a fellow content creator, I understand the importance of respecting copyright. I've even had my own brush with it, unknowingly using copyrighted background music in a video. It's a valuable lesson – copyright protects creators and ensures they're fairly compensated for their work. In this case, the resemblance between "Selos" and "Trouble Is a Friend" was significant enough to trigger YouTube's Content ID system. Additionally, fans familiar with Lenka's music likely reported the video. Here's where the story takes a turn. The "Selos" video remains live on YouTube, with news that AHS Productions,

Exploring the Culture and Landscape of Buscalan: A Journey to the Heart of Kalinga

- January 19, 2023

For years, my wife and I have wanted to meet Apo Whang Od - the last traditional mambabatok (tattoo artist) of the Kalinga tribe here in the Philippines. Her work passed down through generations, is a cultural treasure and an art form that has fascinated us. We finally found the opportunity to meet her thanks to my wife, who discovered a group on Facebook called " Tribong Panhik ." The group regularly organizes trips for interested individuals who want to meet Apo Whang Od, and we decided to join one of their trips last January 11, 2023. The price per head was Php 4000 (please check with them for the current tour package), including transportation, meals, and a homestay. In short, all you need to do is to enjoy the trip. With the legendary mababatok, Apo Whang-Od. Preparing for the Trip During my initial research, I heard there would be a 30-minute uphill walk to Apo Whang Od's village. Being someone who is always in pain due to my knee and lower back issues, this 30-mi