Welcome 2022… what blessings do you have for us?

I greet the New Year with great hope and positivity as always, with a solemn prayer for better things tucked in for good measure. Better things because I am feeling blessed as can be, having overcome the greatest hurdles of my life, which come with bringing you the news through Balita. Looking back, it is interesting to note… Read More »

Random Glances

“I’ve far outlived my usefulness.” Susan Wiggs, The Lost and Found Bookshop (2020). Alone Odd guy I am. Social nature has not spoilt me. I long for quietness, A peaceful music to behold. I’m judged to be different, Bear it with stings and bruises. I grew up not knowing my friends, Family is all I have! The Winding… Read More »

Christmas Gift Bags for Isolated and Lonely Seniors

Christmas is the time for family and friends to celebrate the holiday season together. Unfortunately, for many seniors in our community this time of the year only increases their sense of isolation and loneliness. This past year and a half had been challenging for everyone and even more so for many of seniors who are on their own,… Read More »

Audit Confirms FCT’s Major Accounting Deficiencies

FCT had a Third Party Independent Audit and had presented the Audit Report in the off-again-on-again Annual General Meeting (AGM) last November 14, 2021. Failing grade   Yale PGC LLP, the third party Independent Auditor, issued FCT a qualified audit report for 2016, 2017, and 2018.  On page 1 of the Opinion Section of the Independent Auditor’s Report, the… Read More »

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS STORY

This is my favorite story I love to tell again and again in Christmas time and I am sharing it with you. Dec. 15, 1968, Sunday: I am at the Araneta Coliseum to watch a basketball charity event featuring the FPJ All-Stars. Susan, my good friend and favorite interview subject, is around, and no one wonders why she… Read More »

Throwback

It is a universal fact that sports fans will never tire of rooting for their teams.  Even if the Raptors seem to miss the hometown hoop, I still believe that in the long 82-game season, a place in the playoffs is still in their sights. Konting kayod pa, .500 na. I am a never-say-die fan. Peks man! Makulam… Read More »

Balimbings and political dynasties

IN THE AFTERMATH of the “People Power” that deposed President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the word “balimbing” became popular. The “balimbing,” or star fruit, became the mark of a turncoat. The star fruit’s cross-section is shaped like a five-sided star; thus, a person who changes political loyalty is called a “balimbing.”  After Marcos was ousted from the presidency,… Read More »

Probabilities and Possibilities

“Every man is nothing more or less than the demands of the world, and that the more a man demands of the world, the bigger the magnitude of his success or failure in life.” Omar El Akkad, What Strange Paradise (2021) Creativity I have been told it must be there Within the confines of my soul. Open my… Read More »

Soon It Will Be

A Christmas melody was playing over the radio in a Toronto home in 2019. Suddenly, my 87-year old mom hummed and then sang along: “Hmmmm. City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas. Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile. And on every street corner you’ll hear: Silver bells,… Read More »