Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio recently called the flood control scam the biggest corruption scandal in Philippine history. Bigger than any scandal during Martial Law. Bigger than all the other stories of corruption that have angered Filipinos for decades. Hearing something like that makes you stop and wonder — how can something this massive… Continue reading The Flood Control Scam: How Corruption Stole ₱421 Billion
Category: My Beloved Philippines
When Corruption Steals a Nation
Corruption has become so normal in the Philippines that many no longer react with shock. People expect it. They talk about it over meals, in schools, on the streets, even joke about it like it’s just part of daily life. But behind the jokes and casual conversations, there is a deep pain. A country full… Continue reading When Corruption Steals a Nation
From Treating Everyone to Splitting the Bill – How Two Dining Cultures Shaped Me
Back home in the Philippines, there’s a word for treating your friends, family, or colleagues when you eat out: manglibre. It’s more than just picking up the bill. It’s an act of generosity, a way of saying you care, and sometimes, it’s an unspoken expectation—especially if you’ve just returned from abroad or a big city.… Continue reading From Treating Everyone to Splitting the Bill – How Two Dining Cultures Shaped Me
Life in the Barangay: The Beauty and Bitterness of Knowing Everyone
In the Philippines, many people live in rural areas called barangays—small communities where neighbors aren’t just neighbors. They’re family, friends, and sometimes… your toughest critics. If you grew up in one, you know exactly what that means. These barangays, whether they’re nestled in the mountains, spread across fields of rice, or lined up along coastal… Continue reading Life in the Barangay: The Beauty and Bitterness of Knowing Everyone
Three Hours to The Hague: A Trip I Might Not Take
It’s funny how sometimes the mind and the heart pull us in two different directions. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling thinking about the upcoming event in The Hague. The last day of the photo exhibit dedicated to FPRRD, and a chance to see Vice President Sara Duterte, is happening tomorrow. It’s something I truly… Continue reading Three Hours to The Hague: A Trip I Might Not Take
Why Ayuda in the Philippines Is Not Sustainable and Why Many Are Getting Tired of It
In the Philippines, the word ayuda has become a part of everyday language since the pandemic. It means government assistance—usually financial—given to poor or low-income families. On paper, it’s a noble thing. In fact, every country has some form of aid or subsidy to help those in need. But the way ayuda is being done… Continue reading Why Ayuda in the Philippines Is Not Sustainable and Why Many Are Getting Tired of It
Lechon Baboy: The Heart of Filipino Celebrations
Lechon baboy is more than just food in the Philippines. It’s an experience, a tradition, a symbol of joy, and a taste of home. For many Filipinos, it’s not truly a celebration unless there’s a lechon sitting proudly at the center of the table. The golden, crispy skin and the juicy, tender meat beneath it… Continue reading Lechon Baboy: The Heart of Filipino Celebrations
