I find myself wrestling with conflicting emotions as I begin this blog. A part of me desperately wants to believe in the promise of "Bagong Pilipinas," to have faith in a brighter future for our country. But as a Filipino who has witnessed too many broken promises and false dawns, I cannot ignore the nagging feeling that this new campaign is more illusion than transformation. My reflections today are born out of a deep concern for the Philippines, a desperate prayer for a genuine change that goes beyond political slogans and empty gestures.  This reflection is intended to foster critical discussion and is not an incitement against any individual or authority. It is my personal examination of our collective challenges, hoping to inspire thoughtful engagement on how we can genuinely progress as a nation. The Premise of 'Bagong Pilipinas' "Bagong Pilipinas" – New Philippines. The very phrase evokes a sense of hope and possibility, calling to mind a nation rebor

When I wrote a blog a few days ago about a graduating student who donned a Nazi uniform with a Sieg Heil salute for his graduation photo, I thought that was the peak of questionable decisions shared online. But today, as I read the news about a woman flaunting her husband's arrangement of an HPG escort, I realized the well of bewildering social media posts runs much deeper. So, welcome to Episode 2 of What Were You Thinking?  The Philippine Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has long been tangled in controversies surrounding its officers being hired out as private escorts for the elite. While escorting a politician, a businessman, or even a foreigner through traffic is not officially part of their mandate, some HPG officers reportedly engage in this practice as a way to supplement their income. This unofficial side hustle, however, has fueled accusations of unethical and unprofessional conduct, undermining the public's trust in the HPG's commitment to serving all citizens equally a