Last June 24, the New York state legislature, voting 33-29, officially legalized same-sex marriages in the state of New York. While the United States national government does not recognize such unions (because the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriages as strictly between a man and a woman remains in place), each of its 50 … Continue reading »
Posted in June 2011 …
Suspension of afternoon classes in UP Diliman today, June 28 2011
*Note: I don’t know if I will benefit from this event. I am supposed to have an MA History class today from 4pm-7pm, but there is still no announcement if it will push through or not. I have filed for under time in my work for today last Friday because of this class, and once … Continue reading »
2011 Thai elections and the Filipinos’ lack of sense of history
Something interesting happening over there in Thailand Thailand will be having a general election this coming Sunday, July 3. This is Thailand’s first nationwide poll since Abhisit Vejjajiva became prime minister in December 2008. I have maintained a particular interest in Thai political affairs for over half a decade now. Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai leader … Continue reading »
Thaksin, President Arroyo, and other Filipino politicians
To me, Thaksin is a composite of three Filipino politicians: former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada (a former movie actor), and Senator (and 2010 presidential candidate) Manuel Villar, Jr. Arroyo shares Thaksin’s economic savvy. Both also faced allegations of corruption, public disenchantment, and military unrest. Thaksin was not able to serve out his term … Continue reading »
I discovered Michael Jackson’s music when he died
As someone born in 1990, I grew up unfamiliar with MJ’s music. I and my contemporaries came of age through boy bands (Westlife vs. N*Sync, remember?) and female pop stars like Mariah Carey and Britney Spears. We watched them on MTV and listened to (and memorized) their songs. But the King of Pop? Not really. … Continue reading »
Kabayan Noli’s daughter reacted to what I posted in Facebook yesterday
The daughter of the Philippine’s immediate former vice president (and currently national news anchor) reacted to what I wrote in Facebook! Quite a surprise, I must say. Here’s the story behind it: Last Monday, there was a report in TV Patrol about the renewal of wedding vows (after 40 years of being married) between Senator … Continue reading »
Three years after, still no justice for MV Princess of the Stars victims
It has become a custom for Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration and other meteorological organizations nationwide to “retire” the names of typhoons (or hurricanes) that had caused tremendous loss of lives and damages to properties. PAG-ASA retires a typhoon name if it has killed at least 300 deaths and/or caused damages exceeding … Continue reading »
Armando Malay: “Veneration of Rizal was a fact even before his execution” Part II
I reported about Armando Malay’s “Veneration with Understanding” for my Rizal class (PI 100) in UP Diliman two years ago. Renato Constantino’s 1969 was a controversial piece, and the arguments he put forward may sound convincing – until you read this point-by-point rebuttal by the eminent late Filipino journalist-freedom activist. Below are the most essential … Continue reading »
Armando Malay’s excellent rebuttal of Renato Constantino’s “Veneration without Understanding” Part I
I reported about Armando Malay’s “Veneration with Understanding” for my Rizal class (PI 100) in UP Diliman two years ago. Renato Constantino’s 1969 was a controversial piece, and the arguments he put forward may sound convincing – until you read this point-by-point rebuttal by the eminent late Filipino journalist-freedom activist. Below are the most essential … Continue reading »
Oh, yes! June 20, 2011 is a non-working day! Will you be paid by your company?
Pres. Aquino’s holiday proclamation for June 20 (Download here!) So, you may be thinking of reporting for work on that day. How will you be paid by your employer? Take note of the fact that June 20, 20111 is NOT a national holiday. What are national holidays, and why does this distinction matter? National holidays … Continue reading »
