Did you know that Turkey and Syria had been a part of the Levant Quartet? In early December 2010, officials from four countries – Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan – signed an agreement to form the Levant Quartet. It aimed to develop closer economic and cultural integration among the countries and envisioned as the “EU of the Middle… Read More »
Valentine’s Day should have been a rallying point for love and peace in the world –that is what many of us hope. Admittedly, Va-Day, in the commercial world, refers, more often than not, to personal love or relationships. But within the global, geopolitical context, I sincerely wish that the spirit of Va-Day had a more inclusive tenor to… Read More »
Many studies suggest that drinking 4 to 6 cups of coffee is good for your health and well-being. The potential benefits from drinking coffee are varied and likely came from the vitamins and minerals within the coffee beans. Because coffee contains soluble fiber and prebiotic properties, coffee drinkers tended to have more microbiomes in their gut, which improves… Read More »
“Unfair,” said a grinning Mr. Turtle, as he insisted that the run between him and the hare be done in the lake. Not that 2023 is Mr. Water Rabbit’s Chinese Lunar Year and things are kind of expected to go his way with fluids, the hare cordially replied: “As you wish, Mr. Turtle. Go swim as fast as… Read More »
Asking for Feedback is Pointless. Instead, Ask for Advice. If a candidate I did not hire wants to make me uncomfortable, they only need to ask for feedback. (I will revisit this.) Self-proclaiming job search experts and career coaches commonly advise asking for feedback when you do not get the job you have interviewed for. The thinking—as if… Read More »
“Salamat naman” that the chaotic Year of the Tiger (2022) is over. From January 22 to February 9, the Chinese New Year is celebrated. Or maybe for 2 weeks, more or less. This year, we welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit – the symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. One of the best calming… Read More »
WARNING: My enjoying playing ‘devil’s advocate’ has been pointed out on many occasions—it makes for thought-provoking writing. I assume you are aware of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) having issued revised alcohol consumption guidelines. The new guidelines, released after a two-year research project funded by Health Canada, are shocking, which the media, not surprisingly, has… Read More »
No Easy Way to Say Goodbye. One day, I got the bad news that the father of my children who has been battling brain cancer is back in the hospital and prognosis was uncertain. So my boys promptly took off to Atlanta, Georgia where he now lives with his new family, to maybe have parting words with their… Read More »
Start giving this new year by supporting the incredible work that Plan International Canada has been doing to help keep girls in school, especially in countries where over 11 million girls are at risk of not returning to schools. Plan International Canada is working with communities across the globe in 75 countries, which includes the Philippines, to educate… Read More »
Good thoughts, good vibes. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Midway through January 2023 pa lang, pero may bisa pa rin ang Yuletide hangover! Sige, enjoy pa! Pasensiya na, ngunit nakikiisa ako sa mga naniniwala na ang diwa ng Pasko – pagmamahalan at pagpapahalaga sa isa’t-isa – ay nararapat na manatili sa isip at puso ng… Read More »