Power Of Words_Unlocked

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

When I was thirteen, the Philippines pulsed with a faint but growing desire for freedom under the suffocating grip of the Marcos regime. My world, once defined by childhood, now expanded to include an awareness of struggle and resistance. Hidden books by authors like Primitivo Mijares, Ricardo Manapat, and Raymond Bonner revealed truths the streets of Manila dared not speak. They illuminated my young mind, guiding me through the shadows of oppression toward a quest to reclaim my nation. Thirty-eight years after EDSA, echoes of that moment still ring—the clamor of voices demanding dignity and freedom. In the cycle of history, I now see power lost and won again. The Marcoses, once ousted, are back, their legacy a complex thread in the ever-evolving story of the Philippines. Imelda's deliberate absence from her son's campaign and simmering tensions with Rodrigo Duterte further complicate our current political landscape. What does the legacy of EDSA mean? Was it simply a moment of