By Joshua Corcuera I have been a student journalist for over a year now as I write this opinion piece. As a staff writer for the autonomous and official student publication in an enormous university in Manila, I would say as of now that things are generally fine. Fundamental issues such as funds seem
September 10, 2020
oomerBy Joshua Corcuera As you read this article, take note that I’m on my third week of online classes and it’s quite exhausting. Despite staying at home and enjoying the privilege of having a laptop (though internet connection is slow), both my mind and body find itself in a wearisome state. And I believe
September 8, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera During lockdown, people are forced to pursue their passions and hobbies while staying at home. Some learned how to bake cookies and pastries or cook various dishes, while others tried painting stuff, writing poetry, and playing musical instruments. Before the school year and online classes started in my university, I was
September 5, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera Carpe diem is a Latin expression commonly translated as seize the day. Chances are you have read or heard this phrase from a movie or a literary work; I encountered such exclamation from the 1989 drama film Dead Poets Society, for instance. However, I had some time figuring out what it
September 3, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera For so long, the arts have been largely appreciated by people from all walks of life. The arts refer to the expression of human skill and imagination producing works, such as illustrations and statues, to be admired primarily for beauty and power. As we can see, there are several museums dedicated
September 2, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera Today, we celebrate National Heroes Day to pay homage to our country’s heroes. This is definitely a good time — given that we are in the midst of challenging times — to commemorate and remember the courageous and compassionate acts committed by these people during their lifetimes. But besides this, now that they’re no longer
August 31, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera The so-called ber months are coming, and every Filipino knows what this means. Christmas decorations would fill the streets, children would be caroling at night, and Jose Mari Chan’s voice would be heard over town again. But there’s something unsettling, though, for the holidays this 2020: there’s a pandemic ravaging through the country.
August 29, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera As a highly contagious virus continues its onslaught, we all check at one another’s safety amid the pandemic. This is uplifting knowing that someone out there is supporting you, hoping your life won’t be cut short. But there is another virus we need to be aware and vigilant of. And no,
August 28, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera On August 24, twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu killed at least 13 people and hurt at least 76 others. Obviously, the attack is devastating and it is important to pay respects to those directly affected as well as the relatives they left behind. Also, the attack must be strongly condemned while
August 27, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera In social media, I often encountered comments that the Philippines needs more discipline than democracy — and that we’ve got too much of the latter. There are also people who claimed that poverty and criminality is rampant in our country because of democracy. While some even expressed that our nation must be ruled
August 26, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera Buksan ang puso at isipan, paliparin ang kamalayan — these are lyrics from Alapaap, an iconic song by the Eraserheads. The words of the song from the popular band is reminiscent of what Philippine society must embark to gain progress. Even in the 21st century, peculiar conservative ideas dominate the landscape
August 25, 2020
By Joshua Corcuera It came to public knowledge last August 20 that a manufacturer of a beauty product listed Manila as a province of China. Such action by the manufacturer is a blatant disrespect to us, Filipinos, in our own land. As a consequence, four business establishments carrying such products were ordered closed by
August 22, 2020