The irony of the story is so amusing I do not know if I ought to laugh or cry. For so many reasons. And so many questions keep hovering in my mind like a drunken bee to honey:

1. The recipients are supposedly people in crisis. They are those who have suffered mental anguish and financial challenges hence they were chosen, why then would the barangay officials rip them off with money meant to alleviate their suffering?
2. What thought process do these officials have in thinking that they have every right to get money that is not theirs? They are no better than street thugs or hold uppers in that case except they don’t threaten with a gun. They threaten with the power they wield in the community where the victim resides. (Which is worse than a gun but would take a longer discussion)
3. If this daylight robbery is happening in various barangays and not some isolated case, is this part of a bigger orchestration than has a more powerful official/s involved? What does it speak of the community in general? Of the primary leadership in the locality?
4. Some prominent individuals in the community try to downplay it by saying “It happens all over, not just here.” Or “There are worse forms of rips-offs like the flood control for one.” When did we begin to excuse crime? Theft? Abuse of authority? I can state at least 3 clichés with this kind of thinking. (1. Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean it is right. 2. Accountability is a mark of integrity. 3. Never excuse bad behavior)
5. For the other victims, who are already victims of one tragedy or another, who have yet to complain: I feel you. Who wants to complicate life by going up against “powerful” people who can make your lives miserable? Why do we take this s*** and allow them to continue with their shameful behavior? Why would we rather suffer in silence and give them reason to victimize more people than try to stop them once and for all?

Of all the kinds of crises described here, there is one that scarily shouts to me. We are in deep crisis when it comes to upholding the fundamental values that we used to hold dear and what used to be non-negotiables. We now have low-key reactions in acts that used to make us livid and go to the streets. We have become tolerant of unscrupulous individuals and even make them community leaders.

We should not just be mourning the plight of those claimants in crisis, when we are facing a more dangerous one: the future of the young who look up to these very people who have an integrity and credibility crisis.

The post In Perpetual Crisis first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

But when does cancer happen? According to ChatGPT, one reason it happens is when there are certain mutations that affect the DNA that may come from harmful habits, i.e. smoking, chemicals, infections or random errors in the division of cells (tough luck). So does corruption in government. It occurs when something out of the normal scheme of things is being done or when a procedure or protocol is distorted for greedy reasons.

One of the most popular forms of corruption is stealing from public coffers, directly or otherwise. It is usually done by getting a portion of the money meant for public funds through infra projects, supplies and other projects that have third parties. Another is receiving kickbacks for public services that are meant to be free. In all of these, x deals are always expected. Favored contractors, suppliers, etc. Faster service or approval of papers despite lacking some requirements.

Just like cancer, it may creep up to the system undetected or without a loud bang. Little by little it will then be considered a part of the procedure or protocol without the need for cure or eradication. In some government systems (local and national) it has been so normalized that it does not even look like cancer anymore but a welcome step that wakes the appetite to take more.

Again, from ChatGPT, negative impacts of cancer may include serious harm to the body which may result to death, emotional and psychological stress, and impact on family and relationships. Not so different when you are implicated in corruption scandals, actually.

Yet our ability to “accept” and continually choose politicians who are notorious for corruption issues never fails to amaze me. I am apprehensive of the fact that we have become numbed to the consequences of corruption. That we have a from of resigned acceptance that yes, there might be death (or not) of a political career, but there’s always something new especially if you are chummy with the powers that be, and yes there will be stressful days but we get over it; true there will be shame and embarrassment for the family and friend but they will get over it too while riding their choppers, Bentleys or what have you.

So this is our cancer. It is something that distorts our sense of right and wrong, erodes our integrity and provides our youth with the wrong moral compass. They say humanity is nearing its victory with its fight against cancer. That the cure is almost here, if not already. But for us Pinoys, have we? Found the cure for our version? Do we want to?

The post The Big C: Pinoy version first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

She wrote such a tugging piece about her illness wherein she described her initial reaction of disbelief thinking that she was the healthiest person she knew who is physically active and not feeling any pain or ache within her body. She also feels such regret about not being able to live a longer life with her awesome family and her wonderful husband whom she describes as a genius. She is also baffled about the fact that this illness usually hits old people and here she is at the prime of her life and very young at that, facing this diagnosis.

I have read so much about this family that I used to think that as much as they are the luckiest in that part of the world, they are also one of the most tragedy ridden. There is even a term to describe it: Kennedy curse. Tatiana’s grandfather was shot in that famous parade, her great-uncle too (RFK), her uncle John Jr. perished in a plane crash together with his wife, some cousins dying from not so normal circumstances, the list goes on and now this.

There are probably 2 main reasons why I am finding it a little bit difficult to process.  One is the fact that when mortality slaps you in the face, you are rarely ready to accept it.  I actually admire Tatiana’s kind of peace and acceptance right now as she shared to the world what she goes through. I am certain there were a lot of anger and disbelief at first but there is such a graceful kind of acceptance in the way she writes about it now.  My initial reaction was no amount of wealth and influence can save you when “your time comes”.  It may lengthen your life a little but all the same, unless a miracle intervenes.  You would think that their influence and reach could give Tatiana a magic pill to hold on to, ensure access to the best doctors and maybe try out unreleased medical treatments/interventions for this kind of illness.

The greatest battle though that Tatiana is trying to win over and which I can totally relate is how to ensure that memories of her life with her great family will stay with her forever. In her essay, she speaks about remembering everything since the diagnosis and the fear of losing it once she dies.  In some of my melancholic moments I would always think if I can hold on to my wonderful memories forever and if I will be able to carry it with me beyond. Just like Tatiana. That wish, that hope, could only come from having thousands of wonderful moments from the people who matter, who love you no matter what and who will ensure that you have thousands more to remember until you go.

The post Tatiana’s Grandest Battle first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Unfortunately, a zoo doesn’t come without challenges. Foremost of which is the ethical issue of captivity which animal activists do not take sitting down. Another is the high cost of maintenance and care needed in ensuring the longevity of such a place and that includes the medical expenses when animals need it.

One of the most extensive and impressive zoos I have visited is the Toronto Zoo in Canada, which opened in 1974 and is home to almost 6,000 animals to date in a whopping 280 hectares of land. There is such an admirable organization of the animals based on 7 zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia Wilds and Canadian Domain. Naturally, you will see animals that belong in that part of the world not just enclosed in typical cage-like areas but wide, open spaces where they can enjoy being themselves.  The home of the 2 giraffes alone could be comparable to a parking lot of a famous mall.

But what had me gaping the most was the presence of an Animal Hospital right in the middle of the zoo and the presence of vets 24/7, I was told, so that all animals within the place are ensured of immediate medical attention when necessary.

Which also explains the semi-affordable entrance rate of the zoo. As of 2025, it ranges between C$40-45 per adult or roughly P1,600-P1,850.  For a chance to see animals you never do, walk around the placid and lush vicinity for a day (we didn’t get to finish the 7 areas) and best of all, see my son ecstatic about this experience, it was all worth it.

Take-away: Maintaining a huge area like this takes strategic partnerships among the public and private sectors. Clearly, any government won’t be able to manage it alone, it will require external resources to keep it going. One best practice I learned is their sponsorship endeavors where they partner with companies and ask donation from employees to be deducted from their monthly salaries automatically.  Applying this process though entails a committed form of quality governance from the zoo in terms of transparency and a strong reputation of integrity to ensure continued support from upright citizens.  Some qualities that may be lacking in other countries which begs the question: Is the zoo for you?

(Source: Toronto Zoo website)

The post Is the Zoo for you? first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

It is exactly women like these who I want to be when I grow up.  Women who show me that the way you look when you are older depends on you too aside from science doing its natural share. Women who, despite 4 major arrivals from their body, and taking care of those arrivals growing up, still look like they are the eldest sister of the brood.

But then we say, Oh of course she can afford to look young! She’s rich and has the money to pay for all those procedures women their age do to defy gravity. Well, I will have you know that there are some things we mere mortals can do to stop looking our age and maybe look even just five years younger.  The biggest age-revealer of our body is our skin. Hence, it is best to really ensure that we give it the utmost care and love to minimize the impact of time and harsh factors like weather and mommy/wifey-duties.

Being told that I look younger than my real age means I must be doing something right with my skin and I would like to let you in some of my daily rituals:

• Lotion – A girl’s bff. After every bath or shower, while skin is still slightly wet is the best time to put on lotion. I feel it is absorbed more easily and just glides into my body as I put some on. I always use a hypo-allergenic though I indulge in scented ones sometimes just to please my bedmate.
• Unscented Body Oil – a cold room dehydrates skin faster, and you will mostly witness me put on oil at night than lotion as this for me works faster when it comes to moisturizing body skin than lotion.  This I also love to put on my feet, as I can already see cracked parts, but it has softened since. Aside from unscented, I always choose the light ones as I do not like that ‘heavy’ or too sticky feeling other oils have on me.
• Plant-based facial moisturizer – I swear by this, which I put on my face at night as it has made my skin more gentle, supple and smooth.  I can instantly feel its hydrating effects and I also feel like having a gentler soul knowing that no animal was harmed during the making of this life-saver. (tip: before deciding on a moisturizer, try putting it on your inner wrist first and check for allergic reactions, not necessary for plant-based)
• Sunblock with SPF 80 or higher – do not, never leave home without putting some on. This I really regretted that I did not start early as I have started applying it religiously while I was in my 30s already.  Let us never underestimate the power of the sun to harm our skin, even if we are not outdoors know that it has effects on us. Using an SPF will shield us from its direct effects.
• Water is life. Always make it a point to replenish your body’s moisture by drinking lots of water every day. Though eight glasses have no scientific basis, it drives the point that we have to drink enough so that our body will fill its positive effects.  Not just beneficial, it is affordable to boot.

These daily habits will significantly help us regain that youthful look and for those who cannot afford cosmetic procedures as easily, these are affordable beauty hacks that have fast-acting effects.

Finally and most importantly, youthful glow is more impactful if it comes from within.  Let us hydrate our souls first with positive things by thinking beautiful thoughts and acting on them, because no one is more beautiful and gravity-defying looking than a person who is a positive contributor of her community.IMT

The post Defying Gravity first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Let us not even consider the educational background (be it culinary, arts or none at all), the interest of the child (is he/she a people-person, a service-oriented one or just to also partake of the coffers?!) and the mental/psychological preparedness of the offspring to tackle such a role, if God forbid, elected? (Usually raised in wealthy surroundings and the usual accoutrements of being rich, is he/she ready to tackle the reality of the typical Filipino?).

In my 20 years or so in the government service, I have witnessed various kinds of leaders, and none excel more than those educationally equipped to tackle public service. One of the best mayors of the city (he also had a master’s in public management), even had his employees take on further studies in public management seeing the benefits of a learned workforce. A calling is just as important I opine, since serving will be a 24/7 job and not just when the public is around and the media-can-see-me time. Real public service is a tiring and time-consuming job and if you are not a people-person or are not inclined to be emphatically attuned then it is not for you. You will be drained and will short-change those who pay for your compensation. Which brings me to the third consideration, mental preparedness. Is the “chosen one” to be the “successor” in the proper mental frame to take on the role of the next everyone’s go-to? How does he/she deal with stress? Does he/she possess the value-set needed to bring the community forward, or worse is the child as corrupt as the parent and void of any sincere concern of the electorate?!

These considerations, meant to find a worthy and qualified individual to lead a community into the global arena are sometimes deliberately overlooked by leader-parents who:

1. Want to cling to power/ illegally amass wealth
2. Ironically love their children so much giving them automatic day-jobs without having to fight it out in the job search arena
3. Establish a dynastic rule that is meant to let the family reign for a hundred years and beyond
4. Avoid criminal and administrative liabilities should a “straight” leader succeed them

These ‘trees’ who wish to appoint their fruits as their successors may be doing all of us a disservice. The first crime would be to the children who may not want a career in public service truthfully but has no say in the matter; the second would be to us voters who might deserve someone more adept and qualified and the third would be to all the other deserving leaders who are more than capable but lack the political machinery and financial capability to mount a campaign that would ensure victory.

In all of these, the third disservice makes me the saddest of all. Firstly, whatever issues parents have with their children are private and can only be solved among them (though involving the whole community especially if an incompetent “fruit” sits, is a crime of great proportions), secondly, as voters, we are not powerless at all. We have the choice to reject incompetence if we wish to, to put them in office and complain afterwards is downright absurd, in my opinion.

Now, to pass up on what could be a worthy leader who may bring the community to better heights while settling for a ‘fruit’ that is mediocre and Heaven forbid, corrupt is such a vertigo-inducing crime and ensures the cloudy fate of the community in the next number of years.

So before we bite into that enticing fruit, make sure the tree where it came from gave you an impressive service and did not in any way dry up the coffers.IMT

The post The fruit and the tree first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Confidants have been known to make or unmake history. They have brought down great empires and caused havoc among nations because of pushing for agenda only they can benefit. Who has not heard of Rasputin, the closest “adviser” of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra and was believed to be a contributor in the fall of the Romanov dynasty. Joseph Goebbels, one of Hitler’s inner circle, helped him consolidate his power and propagated Nazi belief by using his power as Minister of Propaganda. As chief propagandist, Hitler listened to his advice on how to crush anti-German activities and people.

Wives and mistresses can be powerful decision-shapers too. As charismatic as Bill Clinton is, it is believed that most of his moves are Hillary-approved. You can see the greatness of her influence when she was given an office in the West Wing and was visibly involved in policy-making during her husband’s stint. Who did not envy Wallis Simpson when a future king, Edward VIII, abdicated for her? There were also talks that Edward’s friendship with Hitler was influenced by the love of his life. Fast forward to the present generation, and we see King Charles calm down when Camilla ‘whispers’ to him.

Truly, no one can underestimate the ability of the confidants when it comes to influencing decisions of people in position. This is all sugar and everything nice when they yield positive outcomes. When the decision impacts development or a movement towards a greater direction. Disastrous of epic proportions it will be if it harms others or the ‘kingdom’ in which the principal rules over.

To the God-whisperers of today, allow me to make a few reminders:

1. Be big. It is not about you. The decisions that will be made will matter to future generations and to the kingdom’s present and future welfare. To make it about you and push for your agenda is belittling the kingdom and what the leader can do for everyone and not just for a few of you.
2. Give options. There is a reason that he/she is the leader and you are not. Trust the celestial bodies in that and know that the principal is capable in making decisions, but as a human, is prone to doubts and indecisiveness at times, hence seeking your opinion/advice.
3. Ensure his longevity. And to do so means he has to be loved by the people whom he governs. This can only be done if you are loved by his people too.
4. Know your place. He/She was made a God for a reason. Same as you. There is no inter-changing the courses of your fate. To put your imprint in the decisions all the time is greatly undervaluing the capacity of everyone involved in these dynamics. Manipulating Gods is almost always a knee-jerk temptation but try to control yourself and appreciate the outcome sans your intervention at times.

Main reveal: I used to be one. Twice. Main Take-aways: First, you will always be haunted by the outcomes that will affect the lives of others, so never underestimate the power of your suggestions when major decisions are made. Second, the personality of the “God” plays heavily in the way he/she receives whispers or suggestions; know it but refrain from manipulating. Last and alas, he is a figurative God thus will not stay in power eternally, so will you. Bear that in mind.

The post God-whisperer first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

1. We are eternally creatures of habit – No one wants to easily go out of their comfort zones to make way for changes that need to be done. You can easily see that when you observe people in a buffet dining. We gravitate to our ‘comfort food’ and tiptoe around ‘new’ and ‘foreign-looking’ ones. Even in social gatherings, we tend to stay close to our peers and rarely go out of our way to meet new ones. Is this a good thing? Sadly, no. Life is not about riding out the waves in the same position all the time, it is meant to discover frontiers and test boundaries and the only way to navigate it is to constantly reinvent oneself and adapt to the demands of the environs.
2. Gifts blind the eyes (Chinese Proverb) – We are a sociable and familial race. We love to develop ties and establish friendships most especially if it benefits us or our family members. This is but natural for generally our goal is to make it better than others (real talk). And so we go about the usual courtship protocol and shower people we do business with gifts. In my moral compass, gifts that are not ridiculously expensive may be acceptable AND must not be expected to be a factor in decision-making. However, we can also be susceptible to human failings like making the gifts major considerations when we dispense our professional functions.
3. Kindness is a game-changer – It must have been my up-bringing and my ending up with a loving husband that has cocooned me from the harshness of life that I can never fully comprehend the psyche of evil people. Manifestations of kindness, on the other hand that I have witnessed globally (various cultures and backgrounds) have avoided grand disasters and impacted lives of future generations beyond our comprehension. Who has not been affected by a picture of a child offering a rose to a soldier in war? Who has not been inspired by what Professionals Without Borders do? Who brings positive influence among the youth encouraging them to make this world a better place by showing them random acts of kindness?
4. The same pain is thicker than blood – Nothing binds individuals more than experiencing the same kind or level of hardships. Blood brothers are nothing compared to the brotherhood and loyalty individuals will show each other when they have experienced the same darkness. Look at the affinity among those who survived great tragedies, injustices and pain. They will drop anything in a second when a ‘pain-brother’ comes calling. Though this is cathartic up to an extent, it is always hoped that they nurture each other moving forward and not keep on reliving the pain that they have undergone.
5. We tend to get intoxicated with power and ill-gotten wealth – Give man power, and wealth he did not spew (literally) blood and sweat to get… and get yourself a bag of popcorn. Sadly, men (or women) who fall to this trap usually belong in one sector in our country and your guess is as good as mine. When intoxicated and out of the normal senses, we make major and disastrous errors. Errors that can ruin the lives of others, ruin the natural environment of an organization and cause irreparable effects in future generations. That is not even the short of it. Scandalously, it is committed out of personal motives USING public or other people’s resources. This is the reddest flag of all human weaknesses. It corrupts younger generations and slaps the moral fiber that ought to establish a standard for a community.

Human behaviour is such a complex and interesting trillion other things and putting a top 5 is such an underrated act. But if this list resonates with you as much as it does with me, let’s give it a stronger nudge and prove and disprove it time and again. I dream to make a new list in the near future highlighting more of the positive norm unlike this one.

The post Uneasy wears the head first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The post When in Rome first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

His talent was such that at 11, Palmeiras noticed him and made him a member of the club giving a janitorial job for his father (who was instrumental in developing his interest for the sport.)  His stint there is one for the books scoring 165 goals in the 169 games for the youth teams of the club. He felt so strongly about his destiny that in one of their simple family meals he vowed to his father that soon their lives will change because of his football success and that he promised to take his family out of their financial misery.

Fast forward today: Endrick has signed with Real Madrid after being courted by other top clubs as well, in what is obviously a life-changing deal. Though the final price for this Wonderkid wasn’t revealed, it was learned that Madrid reportedly paid Palmeiras 35m euros for his release with another 23m euros in add-ons.

And boy did he not disappoint, delivering a win for Madrid against England in Wembley recently. He also made it to the elite list of Brazillian superstars who scored an international goal in their teens who include: Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.

I have three takeaways from this great story. First, there is no exchange to parental guidance and influence.  Children have no other great source of strength and guidance the moment they wake up than their parents.  The child’s likes and habits will be developed through the parents. If Douglas Ramos, the father, did not show the level of support and interest he did, maybe Endrick wouldn’t be that great at an early age.

Second, poverty should be a source of inspiration instead of crime-justification.  This sport is big on making poor guys rich. Most of the highest-earned stars came from poor families that drove them to be the best in the field and have their lives changed beyond their imaginations. There is a high price for that though as I have seen in Beckham’s documentary. Discipline and hard-core commitment. Unlike those who want it easy and resort to crime instead.

Third, what are we doing to the Endricks of our country? Are we giving them the necessary support to be the best that they can be? As parents, teachers, government officials and other forms of influencers and shapers of their lives, are we doing our share to ensure that at 17, they get to shine in an international stage moreso if the talent is astounding or are we the killers of their dreams leaving them embittered and desperate and willing to give up their home country (and identity) to be the Endrick of another?

Source: Skynews.com

The post Endrick and what he means first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.