Scrolling through your feed, you see it—quirky cat videos, snappy memes, and nonsensical dance trends. Harmless fun, right? But hours pass, and you’re left wondering: is my brain still in gear? Enter “brain rot,” Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, perfectly capturing the creeping fear that our digital habits might be
January 10, 2025
Dr. Liz Oligario, a dear colleague from my days with the TechFactors National TekGuru program, recently shared a study entitled “On the ‘income advantage’ in course choices and admissions: Evidence from the University of the Philippines,” which struck a nerve. Published in the International Journal of Educational Development, it lays
January 9, 2025
Life’s crossroads often hold unexpected gifts. After 21 enriching years as Ateneo de Iloilo’s K-12 principal, I faced a career shift in 2022. The choices were plenty—four state universities, two private universities, a government institution, and a lucrative career abroad, all promising unique opportunities. But something about the Iloilo State University
January 8, 2025
The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) has stirred up a storm of debates about its transparency, efficiency, and intentions. What started as an initiative to aid struggling Filipinos has become a lightning rod for questions about governance and accountability. Beyond the numbers and headlines, AKAP reveals deeper truths about
January 6, 2025
Filipino banknotes have always been more than just currency—they tell our story. For decades, they have carried the faces of heroes who shaped our history, taught us values, and gave us a shared identity. But now, as the new designs trade these icons for images of plants and animals, we are
January 4, 2025
Due to a cautious distributor and a lackluster reaction, Idiocracy’s 2006 release was welcomed with minimal fanfare. Eighteen years later, the film—with a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 66% on Metacritic, and 4.6/5 star rating that is higher than the all-time highest-grossing ($1.2 billion) R-rated Movie “Deadpool and Wolverine”—has transformed into
January 3, 2025
Imagine a single mother who goes to church or parish and says to the secretary: ‘I want to baptize my son,’ and the attendant says: ‘No, you can’t because you’re not married.” This poignant anecdote conveys a crucial message about church inclusivity and accessibility. It challenges pastoral rigidity and emphasizes the
December 30, 2024
Superstitions often come off as quirks of culture—something to giggle at or follow “just in case.” For Filipinos, however, these beliefs are woven into daily life, from mealtime manners to how one greets a baby. Interestingly, some superstitions, or “pamahiin,” have a scientific basis that may explain why these beliefs have
December 29, 2024
Movies hold a unique power to tell stories that stay with us, weaving emotions, memories, and reflections on life into each frame. My top 20 list is no accident—it is a compilation of films that have left deep impressions, entertained me beyond the screen, and, in many cases, reshaped my outlook
December 28, 2024
When my former secretary at the office I formerly managed in our university approached me to share my reflection on my experiences as a school administrator spearheading internationalization initiatives, I recognized an opportunity to revisit a pivotal chapter in my professional journey. What began as a response to fulfill his academic
December 27, 2024
From September’s first breeze to January’s last song, Christmas in the Philippines is no mere holiday; it is a tapestry of joy, family, and community. Filipinos are known for making it the most extended Christmas celebration globally, with festivities beginning as early as September, lovingly called the “Ber months.” To most
December 25, 2024
In today’s career landscape, the Japanese concept of ikigai—finding one’s “reason for being”—has become more than just a trend; it’s a refreshing guide to building a fulfilling life and career. Finding a job that combines your passion and skills with what the world needs, and what pays justly is the essence of
December 24, 2024