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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

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

The Filipino Diaspora: Bakit Ang Hirap Mahalin ng Pilipinas

- May 09, 2024

Let's face it, Filipinos have a thing for migration. It's practically woven into the national DNA. We've got relatives in California, cousins in Canada, and titas dominating the nursing scene in every major hospital across the globe. There's even a running joke: "Japan, Japan, sagot sa kahirapan" (Japan, Japan, the answer to poverty) or the ever-pragmatic, "Kung gusto mong umasenso ang iyong buhay, mag-asawa ng AFAM" (If you want to succeed in life, marry a foreigner). Look, I get it. The Philippines is a beautiful country, overflowing with talented, resilient people. But let's be honest, sometimes it feels like paradise with a hefty "but" attached. The allure of better opportunities, higher salaries, and a perceived escape from the daily grind beckons strongly. We see it everywhere: families uprooting themselves, leaving behind not just jobs but entire support systems – parents, siblings, even those adorable little pamangkins who call

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

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

Clickbait Nation: Understanding the Filipino Obsession with Clickbaity Headlines

- April 08, 2024

Scrolling through my Facebook feed, I stumbled upon yet another heated debate. The topic? A new government policy with a catchy but controversial headline. The comments were a whirlwind of strong opinions, condemnations, and even calls for action. Curious, I clicked on the article...and that's when it hit me. Almost everyone passionately arguing seemed to have based their entire stance on just the headline. This isn't an isolated incident. We Filipinos have a strange relationship with online content. We love a juicy headline, a shocking image, or a promise of unbelievable drama. Yet, often, we don't bother to click, to read, to actually understand the whole story – we live and die by the clickbait. Clicking & Condemning: The Filipino Way Let's be clear - Filipinos aren't the only ones who fall for clickbait. It's a global plague, preying on basic human instincts and the way we interact with information in the digital age. However, there are specific ways

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

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

The War Next Door: A Filipino's Call for Preparedness

- May 06, 2024

The news about the disputed waters has been haunting me. Back-and-forth pronouncements fill the air, each one fueling a growing unease. As a Filipino, I can't shake the feeling that this is more than just news headlines; it's a threat that echoes with unsettling familiarity. My lolo and lola survived World War II, their stories whispering a legacy of fear. They'd crouch in their makeshift cave – the rumble of warplanes overhead, each bomb a roll of the dice against their fragile sanctuary. Hunger was a constant ache, a minor torment compared to the soul-crushing terror. That fear, a chilling inheritance, lingers as I read today's news. What if the posturing and pronouncements ignite into something more? What if ships transform into missile launchers, disputed islands a fiery battleground? What do we do then? This isn't some distant scenario; it's a question that demands an answer as a Filipino living in this day and age. It's a weight I carry, a discomfor