Job mismatch remains a serious concern, affecting both the private and government sectors. Its impacts are far-reaching, including:

1. Job Insecurity

Mismatched employment often leads to frequent layoffs, fostering insecurity among workers.

2. Economic Costs

Employers face significant costs in hiring and training employees who later prove unsuitable for their roles. Job seekers, in turn, bear the financial burden of repeatedly searching for new employment.

3. Unethical Practices

Some employers exploit alleged mismatches to avoid granting permanent employment and associated benefits.

4. Mental Health Strain

The lack of stable employment contributes to stress and potentially exacerbates mental health issues among the workforces.

5. Social Risks

Unemployed individuals may turn to illegal activities as a means of livelihood.

Given these challenges, I propose leveraging AI technology to address job mismatch by implementing a software solution designed to match job seekers with employers efficiently and accurately. This initiative offers several advantages:

1. Development of AI Solutions – Filipino companies are already developing AI-based software to address job mismatch.

2. Free Access for Job Seekers – This service will be available as a free subscription, eliminating legal barriers for government endorsement.

3. No Procurement Required – Since the software is not for sale, government participation does not necessitate public bidding.

4. Data-Driven Matching – The software relies on comprehensive data provided by job seekers, ensuring precise matching with employers.

This AI solution can also support government efforts, particularly in addressing the overuse of “job orders” and “contracts of service” (COS) positions, as well as in your digitalization agenda.

By ensuring that the right individuals fill IT and other technical roles, we can avoid the inefficiencies of mismatched appointments.

In addition, addressing job mismatch could significantly reduce underemployment, wherein qualified individuals are forced to accept roles below their skill levels.

A Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) report highlights that 40% of employed Filipinos are overqualified for their jobs, underscoring the need for immediate action.

This software has the potential to improve job satisfaction, increase productivity, and reduce turnover rates in the private sector. While its primary focus is the private sector, it can also be adapted for government use, aligning with existing training programs such as the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act.

By endorsing and promoting this initiative, the government can take a bold step toward solving the perennial issue of job mismatch while enhancing economic efficiency and workforce productivity.

The post Job mismatch first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

His office frequently receives complaints from workers, especially in construction, about abuse and lack of proper wages and benefits. Tulfo began his inspections at a construction site in Quezon City, where he encountered disturbing violations.

Workers told the senator they had been with the company for years but still received below minimum wage and had never received their 13th month pay. Even the site’s security guards were reportedly earning only half the mandated minimum wage in Metro Manila.

Tulfo also criticized the inhumane state of the workers’ living quarters, which shocked officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Quezon City Engineering Office.

He raised serious safety concerns over the lack of protective gear and the use of outdated, poorly maintained equipment, warning these conditions could be life-threatening.

The Quezon City Engineering Office issued a stern warning to the project engineer, threatening to revoke the construction permit unless immediate reforms are made. The BFP also flagged multiple fire safety violations.

Tulfo assured the workers they will receive their unpaid wages and 13th month pay as backpay—news that brought cheers and gratitude from the laborers.IMT

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Imagine being able to swim, travel, and embrace summer without worrying about wearing glasses or contact lenses. With LASIK, you’ll get to enjoy this fun-filled time and experience your most memorable summer yet with clear vision!

1. Freedom to Enjoy Summer Activities WITHOUT Contacts/Glasses

Relying on eyewear just to enjoy even the simplest activities can be frustrating. From the hassle of packing extra contact lenses and solutions, to the risk of losing your glasses during water activities, dealing with visual problems is not the most pleasant experience, especially in the summer. 

Let’s be real, it is even trickier when you are constantly adjusting your glasses or having dry eyes because of your contact lenses. Swimming blindly or having sand in your eyes while wearing contacts, does this sound familiar? If so, then it is time to say goodbye to your struggles! Instead of constantly worrying about your eyewears, why not experience complete freedom? By having LASIK, you can fully indulge into your summer adventures truly worry-free. 

2. More Time to Recover and Enjoy Results!

Recovery time is one of the main concerns people have about LASIK. Many have wondered how long it will take for them to recover and go back to their normal routine. There’s a common myth that says the down time of having LASIK is too long and inconvenient, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is LASIK has a quick and easy recovery process, allowing patients to resume daily activities in no time! And what better time to get the procedure than summer? It’s the perfect opportunity to transform your life through vision without disrupting your lifestyle.

Benefits of Getting LASIK this Summer:

See the World Clearer– Sooner

Most patients see a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours after surgery, with some achieving clear vision in just a day or two. This quick recovery means you can enjoy the freedom that comes with clear sight. Whether it’s a last-minute trip or spontaneous getaway, you can fully embrace the moment without the hassle of eyewear. And with no restrictions on flying after surgery, you can go from treatment to takeoff with full confidence and experience the freedom to explore the world with zero limitations!

Fully Experience the Beauty Around You

This season is all about vibrant sights and unforgettable moments, and with LASIK, you’ll never  miss the opportunity to experience the details. From breathtaking sunsets to city nightlife or nature retreats, you’ll see every moment in full color and clarity. Say goodbye to blurriness, foggy lenses, and glares, and say hello to endless summer adventures.

Long Term Freedom

And the best part? LASIK offers more than just clear vision this summer. It’s a life-changing decision that grants you years of perfect sight, free from the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. With LASIK, you gain the ultimate freedom to live without limits. Just imagine waking up to 20/20 vision, ready to take on the world. Enhance your vision this summer and say goodbye to glasses!

3. Why BLC is the BEST Choice for LASIK

Getting LASIK is a major step towards improving your quality of life, choosing the right provider is just as important. As the leading expert eye care surgery in the Philippines, Borough Lasik Center provides world-class quality care and life changing results. Thousands of patients have had their lives transformed by BLC and continue to enjoy the benefits of clear vision today.

Borough Lasik Center stands out with their highly experienced refractive surgeons. These expert surgeons have successfully performed over 30,000 eyes, giving all these patients the freedom of clear vision with safe and precise treatment— BLC’s mission from the start.

From students and athletes to uniformed personnel and professionals, thousands have trusted BLC for their vision correction. “The blurriness from my eye started back when I was in 9th grade. I discovered that my right eye was worse, which really affected my performance in class and my pageant journeys. So when I discovered LASIK at Borough Lasik Center, I knew then that I had another chance to see life clearly”, shared Ms Ed Marie Aguilar, one of our patients. “Right after the surgery, my vision was better. The overall procedure was very fast and completely painless. BLC’s team, especially Dr. Ches Heredia and Dr. Nathaniel Chan, made me feel safe and reassured every step of the way, which I’m very grateful for. It’s definitely a life-changing decision, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you Borough Lasik!”, she added.

BLC also pioneers advanced vision correction treatments, offering procedures with the use of cutting-edge technology like the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8. This ensures greater accuracy, faster recovery, and highly customized treatments for each patient.

4. Exclusive Promos and Discounts

Say hello to vacation and goodbye to glasses! It is the perfect time to invest in your eyes this Summer, and Borough Lasik Center is making it even more exciting as the season approaches. For a limited time, BLC is offering Summer Promo to make LASIK become more accessible and affordable.

For as low as P49,000, you can achieve life-changing vision and say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses. Plus, enjoy a P3,000 discount when you pay in cash. BLC also offers a Free 15-Minute Suitability Test (FST) to help determine if LASIK is right for you. This special offer is valid until April 30, 2025 so don’t miss this opportunity and experience summer with perfect eyesight!

To learn more about the BLC’s services, follow their official social media accounts, where you can also connect with their specialists for more information:

● Borough Lasik Center Visayas (Facebook)
● @blc.visayas (Instagram)
● @docchesheredia (TikTok)

The post 4 REASONS WHY SUMMER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET LASIK! first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) recently conducted a routine and incident-free patrol around Sandy Cay, specifically Pag-asa Cay 2 and nearby areas Cay 1 and Cay 3.

Citing National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, Castro stressed that the operation was lawful and uneventful, refuting claims of Chinese control over the area.

“Nakausap po natin si ADG Jonathan Malaya. Ayon po sa kanya, kahapon lamang po, ang inter-agency maritime operation ay nagsagawa ng pagbisita—isang routine and lawful exercise—dito po sa maritime domain natin,” she said.

The Palace official reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s unwavering commitment to defending the Philippines’ maritime rights and territorial integrity.

“Asahan po natin ang walang alinlangang dedikasyon ng Pangulong Marcos na ipaglaban ang ating karapatan sa ating teritoryo, lalo na sa West Philippine Sea,” said Castro. “Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang pagprotekta sa lahat ng karapatan ng bansa na naaayon sa international law, ngunit may paniniguro na ito ay para sa kapayapaan at katatagan.”

The Palace assured the public that the government remains vigilant in protecting national interests in the region.IMT

The post Palace refutes Chinese claims of Sandy Cay seizure first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

At the “Go Forward Together” media briefing, Cruz presented a clear roadmap for the company, centered on innovation, digital inclusion, and customer-first thinking to uplift lives and shape a better tomorrow for the company and the nation.

His message reinforces Globe’s market leadership amid a stabilizing economy and favorable conditions for expanded digital access. According to the 2025 Digital Report Study, Filipinos now rank third globally in daily internet usage, averaging 8 hours and 52 minutes.

“With the Philippines entering a phase of economic normalization and a large digital-native customer base driving long-term demand, Globe is well-positioned to lead the country’s digital progress,” Cruz said. “We are focused on inclusive growth by widening access to technology and financial tools that make everyday life better.”

Globe’s strength lies in the synergy of its dual growth engines. With connectivity from Globe and financial inclusion via GCash, the company serves everyday needs across the digital lifestyle spectrum, making Cruz’s vision of digital inclusion more attainable.

The telco leader boasts a strong mobile and fiber footprint, while GCash serves 8 out of 10 Filipinos and connects over 6 million merchants and social sellers through e-commerce, payments, lending, insurance, and investments.

“Our ambition is to be the largest, most profitable, most admired, and highly engaged telecom company in the country. Backed by purpose, technology, and people, we are building a progressive and inclusive digital nation,” Cruz added.

Globe’s solid performance in 2024 demonstrates that it is advancing in step with the industry. The company reported an all-time high PHP165 billion in gross service revenues, a 2% increase year-on-year, while maintaining its lead in mobile with 60.9 million subscribers.

At the same time, GFiber Prepaid reached 260,000 subscribers, which combined with postpaid fiber, delivered the first sequential broadband revenue hike in 13 quarters since 3Q 2021. Core services under the Corporate Data segment also rose by 9%, underscoring the relevance of its connectivity solutions.

High user demand signals market strength but also highlights the need for continued expansion. To address congestion and deliver better service, Globe optimizes network investments, especially on mobile, while shifting fiber strategy toward port utilization.

As in previous years, the majority of capital expenditure was allocated to data-related requirements, ensuring customers can access reliable, high-quality digital connectivity.

In 2024, Globe deployed 1,212 new cell towers, including in-building installations, and upgraded 4,613 mobile sites. It also fired up 587 new 5G installations, bringing 5G outdoor coverage to 98.69% of the National Capital Region and 96.95% of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, reaching approximately 106 towns.

Globe’s digital inclusion efforts also include the rollout of over 600 cell sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and online safety initiatives such as #MakeITSafePH, Senior Digizen, and the Digital Thumbprint Program.

Meanwhile, customer experience continues to evolve, prompting Globe to invest in automation, proactive service, and network reliability to keep customers first.

Globe enhances customer interactions through an AI-powered relationship manager that delivers real-time insights, predictive recommendations, and automated support for personalized customer interactions.

Likewise, it advances proactive network upgrades through AI-driven predictive maintenance for enhanced reliability and efficiency.
Globe also remains a leader in responsible business practices, maintaining an “AA” MSCI Rating for two consecutive years and receiving the Five Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors for three consecutive years, demonstrating leadership in both ESG and corporate governance, alongside multiple awards for prioritizing employee well-being.

As Globe moves forward under Cruz’s leadership, the company is committed to delivering sustainable growth, expanding digital and financial access, and aligning stakeholders around its ambition to Go Forward Together.

The post Globe’s new CEO outlines strategic direction, driving innovation and digital inclusion first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

In Senate Resolution No. 1344, Pimentel asked the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms to investigate whether the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) had the authority to launch the system, and if it meets standards for transparency, security, and voter verifiability.

He raised concerns over system glitches, missing vote receipts, and QR code errors reported by voters abroad. Some users said the platform was inaccessible or confusing, while others noted that QR codes generated by the system failed to match or display voting data correctly.

“These incidents have circulated widely on social media platforms and news outlets, amplifying fears of possible electoral fraud or technical failure,” said Pimentel.

”This highlights the urgent need to assess whether the internet voting system sufficiently meets standards of security, transparency, voter verifiability, and electoral accountability.”

As of April 21, only 80,000 of the 1.2 million registered overseas voters had signed up for internet voting—a low turnout Pimentel linked to doubts about the system’s legality and reliability.

He also cited a Supreme Court petition questioning whether COMELEC had the legal authority to implement online voting without congressional approval.

Under Republic Act No. (RA) 9189, as amended by RA 10590, COMELEC is allowed to explore new voting methods but must first submit recommendations to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.

“There are those who hold the legal position that the two cited sections of the law must be read together and would result in the conclusion that the COMELEC does not have the authority to motu proprio adopt online voting,” said Pimentel.IMT

The post Pimentel seeks Senate probe on legality, issues in overseas Internet voting first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Marcos Jr. described his presence at the funeral as “a gesture of deep respect— from one of the world’s most faithful nations to a Pope who touched the hearts of millions.”

He said he represented not only the Philippine government but also the “prayerful, hopeful, and grateful” Filipino people who would have wanted to personally thank the late pontiff.

The Funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square drew global leaders and thousands of Catholic faithful, honoring a Pope known for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the poor.

“This is a moment of shared faith, national pride, and quiet tribute from the Filipino people to a Pope who walked with the humble and gave voice to the unseen,” the Chief Executive added.

He also shared online tributes using hashtags like #ThankYouPopeFrancis and #PaalamLoloKiko.IMT

The post Marcos, wife attend Pope Francis’ funeral first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Once completed and energized in June 2025, this new line will bolster the island’s power grid, ensuring excellent reliability and stability, particularly for Iloilo City.

The new transmission line, which will increase the capacity from 360 Megawatts to 640 Megawwats, will mitigate the risk of overloading the backbone link between Barotac Viejo and Dingle in the event of an outage at the Panay Energy Development Corp (PEDC) power plant units in Iloilo City.

This added capacity will ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for the city, even in unforeseen circumstances.

Roel Castro, MORE Power president, highlighted the importance of this project to the consumers.

“The new transmission line will also improve overall reliability, benefiting the consumers of MORE Power and all the electric cooperatives in Panay and Guimaras islands,” he said.

“This project will contribute to the overall stability and resilience of the power grid in support of our rehabilitated, uprated, and modernized distribution network,” Castro added.

Adding this third circuit will ensure that a single outage will not affect the overall system, minimizing disruptions to the power supply for distribution utilities.

The upcoming energization of the Barotac Viejo-Dingle 138kV Line 3 is a testament to the ongoing efforts of NGCP and MORE Power to enhance the region’s power infrastructure.

The post MORE Power commends NGCP for installing new transmission line in Iloilo first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Behind the viral clips and memes is a sobering truth: motorcycle-related incidents made up 59% of traffic accidents in the country, according to the PSA’s 2022 report. Daily commuters and pedestrians alike have stories—some funny, most frustrating—about near misses or fender benders caused by reckless motorcycle riders. A colleague recently shared how a speeding motorcyclist along Tabuc Suba, Iloilo City, sideswiped her brand-new sedan; the rider merely glanced back and sped away, leaving her in disbelief, shock, and unfortunately, an expensive repair bill.

Interestingly, Filipino TV host Kim Atienza, or “Kuya Kim,” humorously suggested that the term “kamote” originated from teachers who, during American colonization, would instruct slow students to “go home and plant kamote”—an idiomatic way of calling someone intellectually lacking (Marcellones, 2022). Nowadays, riders themselves joke about the term differently, saying, “Pag nabangga ka ng kamote, kamot-ulo ka na lang kasi walang pambayad.” While amusing, it paints a clear picture of the real frustration many experience dealing with the aftermath of accidents caused by these irresponsible drivers.

But what constitutes a kamote rider? In his insightful analysis published in 2021, Mikko David broke down several kinds of reckless riders—from those genuinely unaware of their mistakes to those blatantly flouting rules, believing they are immune from consequences. Some riders justify counterflowing through traffic due to emergencies, while others merely see traffic laws as “suggestions.” These varying attitudes show a deeper problem: a lack of effective road discipline education and enforcement.

Indeed, poor road behavior is not exclusive to motorcycle riders. The motorcycle boom—especially during the pandemic—made things worse. With a 300% sales spike from 2014 to 2021 (MDPPA), more people turned to bikes for convenience, but many hit the roads untrained, adding to the rise of kamote riders.

Concern over reckless driving has reached Congress. Reps. Margarita Nograles and Cheeno Almario filed the “Anti-Kamote Driver Bill” to protect responsible drivers from unfair detention in crashes caused by reckless ones. A similar bill by Rep. JC Abalos also pushes for more transparent accountability and legal processes. Both bills underscore the public’s growing frustration and demand for fairer and more effective handling of road incidents involving kamote riders.

However, addressing this issue extends beyond new laws; it involves changing mindsets. Kuya Kim emphasized that responsible riding means leaving one’s ego at home. Riding should be seen as a moment for reflection and mindfulness—not a rush for thrills or an outlet for road rage. As he aptly stated, “Motorcycling is prayer—wala kang kausap. Kausapin mo si Lord.” This perspective encourages riders to see their journey not as a race, but as a peaceful, reflective experience.

From an educational standpoint, schools and licensing authorities must reinforce proper training. The Land Transportation Office (LTO), often criticized for inconsistent enforcement, holds significant responsibility here. Lapses in licensing have put undertrained riders on our already crowded roads, raising accident risks. The LTO could learn from countries like Japan and Singapore, where strict training and road tests help keep streets safer.

But it is not just up to the government. The riding community has a significant role to play. Influencers like Jet Lee (Ma. Rica Cabarrubias in real life), ambassador for Philippine Motocycle Tourism, use their platforms to promote responsible riding—reminding us that aside from the thrill of freedom, we must also stay safe while on the road. Pushing for safety gear, defensive driving, and road respect helps reshape public perception and make our streets safer for all.

Teachers and schools can help, too. By introducing road safety lessons early—especially values like patience, discipline, and respect—we can raise future drivers who are not just skilled but considerate.

In the end, fixing the kamote rider problem will require all of us: smarter laws, better enforcement, early education, and riders who choose safety over showmanship. Let us not wait for the next viral accident to remind us. Roads are meant to bring us together—not tear us apart.

Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.

The post Kamote on wheels first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

TO use the talent that we have been given like voting wisely during the election, reinventing ourselves, among other practical and unique qualities, is what Voltaire’s Candide can teach us about life.

When we change our ways and spend the time working on all the tasks we excel at, our lives improve considerably.

“Additionally, they yield a bountiful crop, and they are agreeable people. Cultivating our garden is used literally and metaphorically in Candide. If you invested the time to develop your talents, how much rewards might you reap?” Avil Beckford wrote in The Invisible Mentor.

Our talents are not to be idle, but to be used according to the purpose they’ve given to us.

Candide is one of Voltaire’s astonishing satires first published in 1759 that propelled the French novelist to heights during the Age of Enlightenment.

As deists or believers of the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe, we want to emphasize that religion does not necessarily make someone a moral or an ethical person.

-o0o-

It’s from Candide that we’ve learned the deeply practical precept, “let’s cultivate our own garden” which we have been enormously using in some of our articles to refer to self reliance and initiative.

It’s actually a Leibnizian mantra popularized by Pangloss, Candide’s professor, which is “all is for the best”.

Leibniz was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a German polymath and philosopher who occupies a prominent place in the history of mathematics and the history of philosophy.

An illegitimate nephew of a German baron, Candide grew up in the baron’s castle under the tutelage of Professor Pangloss.

It was from Pangloss that he learned about “the best of all possible worlds.”

The baron had a young daughter, Cunegonde, and Candide fell in love with her.

Candide was expelled from the castle when the baron caught them kissing.

Having been conscripted into the army of the Bulgars, Candide wandered away from the camp for a brief walk, and was brutally flogged as a deserter.

He escaped to Holland after witnessing a horrific battle where he was taken care of by Jacques. He soon met a deformed beggar who turned out to be Pangloss.

Sick with syphilis, Pangloss told Candide that Cunegonde and her family had been brutally massacred by the Bulgars.

He brought Pangloss to Jacques and they travelled to Lisbon. On their way, the ship was whipped by a storme and Jacques was drowned.

-o0o-

Candide and Pangloss survived, but when they arrived, Lisbon was in ruins after being hit by an earthquake. It was also under the control of Inquisition.

Pangloss was hanged as a heretic, and Candide was flogged for listening with approval to Pangloss’s philosophy. After his beating, an old woman dressed Candide’s wounds and then, to his astonishment, took him to Cunegonde.

Though the Bulgar army killed the rest of her family, Cunegonde narrated that she was merely raped and then captured by a captain, who sold her to a Jew named Don Isaachar.

She became a sex slave jointly owned by Don Isaachar and the Grand Inquisitor of Lisbon. Each of Cunegonde’s two owners arrived in turn as she and Candide were talking, and Candide killed them both.

Candide, the old woman, and Cunegonde fled and boarded a ship bound for South America. During their journey, the old woman shared her own story that she was born the Pope’s daughter but has suffered a litany of misfortunes that included rape, enslavement, and cannibalism.

Candide and Cunegonde planned to marry, but as soon as they arrived in Buenos Aires, the governor, Don Fernando, proposed to Cunegonde.

She accepted Don Fernando, as she was thinking of her own financial welfare.

Authorities looking for the murderer of the Grand Inquisitor arrived from Portugal in pursuit of Candide. Along with a newly acquired valet named Cacambo, Candide fled to territory controlled by Jesuits who are revolting against the Spanish government.

After demanding an audience with a Jesuit commander, Candide discovers that the commander was Cunegonde’s brother, the baron, who also managed to escape from the Bulgars. Candide announced that he wanted to marry Cunegonde, but the baron insisted that his sister would never marry a commoner. Enraged, Candide killed the baron with his sword and escaped into the wilderness together with Cacambo, where they narrowly avoided being eaten by a native tribe called the Biglugs.

-o0o-

Candide and Cacambo found themselves in the land of Eldorado, where gold and jewels litter the streets, after traveling for days. This utopian country has advanced scientific knowledge, no religious conflict, no court system, and placed no value on its plentiful gold and jewels. But Candide longed to return to Cunegonde, and after a month in Eldorado he and Cacambo departed with countless invaluable jewels loaded onto swift pack sheep.

When they reached the territory of Suriname, Candide sent Cacambo to Buenos Aires with instructions to use part of the fortune to purchase Cunegonde from Don Fernando and then to meet him in Venice. An unscrupulous merchant named Vanderdendur stole much of Candide’s fortune, dampening his optimism somewhat. Candide sailed off to France with a specially chosen companion, an unrepentantly pessimistic scholar named Martin. On the way there, he recovered part of his fortune when a Spanish captain sank Vanderdendur’s ship. Candide took this as proof that there is justice in the world, but Martin staunchly disagreed.

Candide and Martin mingled with the social elite in Paris. Candide’s fortune attracted a number of hangers-on, several of whom succeeded in filching jewels from him. Candide and Martin proceeded to Venice, where, to Candide’s dismay, Cunegonde and Cacambo were nowhere to be found.

However, they did encounter other colorful individuals there, including Paquette, the chambermaid-turned-prostitute who gave Pangloss syphilis, and Count Pococurante, a wealthy Venetian who was hopelessly bored with the cultural treasures that surrounded him. Eventually, Cacambo, now a slave of a deposed Turkish monarch, surfaced, explaining that Cunegondewas in Constantinople, having herself been enslaved along with the old woman. Martin, Cacambo, and Candide departed for Turkey, where Candide bought Cacambo’s freedom.

-o0o-

Candide discovered Pangloss and the baron in a Turkish chain gang. Both have actually survived their apparent deaths and, after suffering various misfortunes, arrived in Turkey. Despite everything, Pangloss remained an optimist. An overjoyed Candide bought their freedom, and he and his growing retinue went on to find Cunegonde and the old woman.

Cunegonde has grown ugly since Candide last saw her, but he bought her freedom anyway. He also purchased the old woman’s freedom and purchased a farm outside of Constantinople. He kept his longstanding promise to marry Cunegonde, but only after being forced to send the baron, who still cannot abide his sister marrying a commoner, back to the chain gang. Candide, Cunegonde, Cacambo, Pangloss, and the old woman settled into a comfortable life on the farm but soon find themselves growing bored and quarrelsome.

Candide finally encountered a farmer who lived a simple life, worked hard, and avoided vice and leisure who inspired them.

Candide and his friends took to cultivating a garden in earnest. All their time and energy went into the work, and none was left over for philosophical speculation. At last everyone was fulfilled and happy.

The post Voting wisely is one of them first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.