Category Archives: Philippines/Filipino
Weathering the Storms
Life in the Philippines has always been fragile and tenuous. Manila and Luzon are right now reeling again at the onslaught of yet another typhoon, Maring. Most of the metropolis is under water and thousands have moved to evacuation centers. … Continue reading
Will Our Leaders Surprise Us and Do the Right Thing This Time?
As soon as men started living together in groups and then in communities, I am pretty sure they shared most everything in common. The idea of private property must have come very much later in man’s history. The idea of … Continue reading
Solidarity and Convergence
In a far and remote corner of New Mexico is this chapel of Santo Nino de Atocha in Chimayo. Many of the American soldiers sent to the Philippines just before the Second World War were from New Mexico because they … Continue reading
Ignatius of Loyola
A treasure I have found that has been a source of great joy for me is Ignatian Spirituality. I start each day with my prayer moment. This practice has been the source of great joy and consolation, of strength and … Continue reading
Friendship
Today is the feast day of Martha, the sister of Mary, whose feast day we celebrated last week. Together with their brother Lazarus, here is one family that Jesus loved and was very close to. I can imagine Jesus considered … Continue reading
He Who Made the Universe Also Fashioned the Human Heart
Laws and regulations are a necessary component of the social contract that enables people to live together in peace and harmony. But sometimes, there are laws that contradict and there are regulations that contravene other rules. Then there are principles, … Continue reading
Visions
One of the most inspiring persons I have worked with is Dr. Alran Bengzon. After decades of dedicated work, he is finally leaving service with the Ateneo. He first came in as Dean of the Graduate School of Business. Not … Continue reading
Hail Mary, Full of Grace
The great Filipino theologian, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, once wrote that to appreciate and understand the Faith of the Filipino one must look seriously at their devotion to Mary. Every province and region in the the Philippines has a special name … Continue reading
Last night was our ILM Graduation. After three years of study, 46 of us completed this inspiring and inspired Faith Formation program of the Diocese of San Jose. It was a night of grace and blessings as we recieved our … Continue reading
EDSA – The Transfiguration of the Philippines
This is a photo of the Ortigas Center taken from the hills of Antipolo. Typically enveloped in smog, it always looks like on a clear day you can see the outlines of buildings. This is the general area where 27 … Continue reading